Since 2010, we have supported Pre-K-12 students with Food Education that is part of teachers’ classrooms and fosters informed food choices.
See the Impact
Get your seat at the table for the culinary fundraising event of the year! For one night only, the brightest stars of Chicago’s food scene come together to raise funds for Pilot Light’s Food Education mission. Get your tickets today while they last!
Presenting Partner: Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation
Learn from the experts: Pilot Light Educator Ryan Johnson shares the inside scoop on all things teaching science through Food Education! Connect our Food Education Standards and the NGSS to enhance your curriculum and improve student outcomes.
Your gift in any amount supports Food Education in classrooms and communities throughout the year.
If your company matches gifts to nonprofits like Pilot Light, here are easy instructions on how to double the impact of your gift. We also have instructions on how to make a gift of stock.
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We are looking for individuals who are passionate about Food Education and creating impact through our programs to join our team!
Today`s Fellow Friday spotlight is on: Ms. Ball! @dr_b_teaches
Ms. Ball has been teaching for 8 years and currently serves as a second-grade teacher with Chicago Public Schools. She first became interested in the Pilot Light Fellowship because of her passion for creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom instruction to students’ everyday lives. She is looking forward to developing innovative food education lessons, collaborating with other educators, and finding new ways to connect food, culture, health, and sustainability across the curriculum during her time as a Fellow.
Ms. Ball is an educator and teacher leader committed to creating engaging, equitable learning opportunities for elementary students. Her experience includes both Montessori and traditional public-school settings, with a strong emphasis on STEM, inquiry-based learning, and supporting diverse learners. She is currently has a Bachelor`s and Master`s degree in Education from National Louis University and is presently pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. Through her continued education and leadership experiences, she hopes to expand her impact beyond her classroom while empowering students to become curious, informed, and confident learners.
"I am excited about finding new ways to reinvent my present curriculum to include food education. It is my hope to make this experience meaningful and engaging for my students as they learn about how important food is and how it can connect us all." -Ms. Ball
We can`t wait to see the magic of Food Education blossom in your classroom this year, Ms. Ball!
Today`s Feed Your Mind Gala Sponsor Spotlight is on: Sysco @syscofoodie! We are thrilled to welcome their stellar team back to this year`s event, and their continued generosity is helping make this year`s gala our best yet. Featuring 26 chefs, outstanding guest bartenders, and fun-filled fundraising opportunities for our guests, this is shaping up to be a can`t-miss event for Chicago`s culinary community. We are so glad to have them on board and thank them for supporting our annual gala, which fuels our mission all year round!
Tables, tickets, and sponsorships of the 2026 Feed Your Mind Gala are still available! Discover it all at feedyourmindgala.org ✨
