Expansion On The Horizon For Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry

AURORA, IL — An expansion is on the horizon for Aurora's Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry.

The nonprofit organization's west pantry, located at 834 N. Highland Ave., is "bursting at the seams" after "decades of solid growth in hunger relief services." To remedy the problem, it will undergo an expansion this fall, officials announced.

Plans include handicap-accessible restrooms, increased food storage shelving and room for educational gatherings. An enlarged distribution center and parking lot will extend toward the south end of the current property.

The expanded space is expected to serve the area's growing population for "decades to come." And thanks to a recent $1.8 million Community Project Funding grant, the food pantry will not need to fundraise to pay for the project.

"The 'powers that be' in our state and federal government have reviewed our efficient operations and far reaching services, and allocated grant funding for capital improvements," staff said in a news release.

Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry was one of seven Aurora organizations that received Community Project Funding secured by Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) for the 11th District, Patch reported.

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The grant is strictly for building expansion only, the pantry said, meaning funding can't be used for daily operations and services.

"Community donors ... will be needed now, and going forward, to power Marie's Pantry services and programs," officials said.