Mary Lee Maier Community Pantry Launches Capital Campaign to Expand Space, Serve More Avon Families

AVON, Ind. — [August 31, 2026] — The Mary Lee Maier Community Pantry has launched a new capital campaign to nearly double its operating space and expand its ability to provide food and essential items to families within the Avon Community School Corporation.

The campaign – More Room. More Food. More Hope. – has set a goal of $463,597 to support the pantry’s expansion and prepare the organization to meet the growing needs of Avon families for years to come.

Since 2018, average weekly participation at the pantry has grown from 37 families to approximately 110 families. In 2026, the pantry served approximately 4800 families. Today, nearly half of Avon Community School Corporation students qualify for free and reduced lunch.

“Our community has been incredibly generous in supporting the pantry and the families we serve,” said Kristi Kerr, Pantry Coordinator for the Mary Lee Maier Community Pantry. “This expansion is about building on that support and making sure we have the space and resources to continue meeting the needs of our neighbors. More room will allow us to provide more food, serve families more effectively and continue working toward our vision that hunger is not a barrier to learning.”

The expansion will allow the pantry to move produce and baked-goods distribution indoors, increase food storage and refrigeration and freezer capacity, create a resource area for families, and add a commercial sink and handwashing station.

The pantry is partnering with Performance Services Inc. on the project. The organization is seeking support from individuals, businesses and community organizations to make the expansion possible. Campaign gifts of any size will help create more room to serve, provide more food and give more hope to Avon school families.

To learn more about the campaign or make a gift, visit www.avon-schools.org/pantry.

About the Mary Lee Maier Community Pantry

The Mary Lee Maier Community Pantry is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Avon Community School Corporation families and employees. The volunteer-driven organization provides food and essential items with a mission to ensure Avon children have the food they need to be ready to learn.