BY DEBBIE PAGE
For the fifth year, Burritos and Ribs owner Ana Johnson and Iredell-Statesville School’s Director of Student Well-Being and Alternative Services Mark Vaughn organized a Thanksgiving meal on Black Friday to ensure first-responders and homeless, foster, and housing insecure children get a warm meal.
The dinner began when Vaughn, a restaurant customer, was talking about wanting to help these kids during the holidays, and Johnson, overhearing, immediately offered her help.
Vaughn said that Johnson has been a great partner to Iredell-Statesville Schools.
“She told me that if I know of families in need to let her know. She’s been really, really impactful for families that need help,” he said.
Volunteers, including I-SS employees, the restaurant’s customers, Miss Statesville and Miss Teen Statesville, and Johnson’s family and friends, served up meals to those who chose to eat in the restaurant or delivered take-out plates to homeless encampments, motels, foster facilities, and My Sister’s House.
Johnson also expanded the meal effort to include firefighters, law enforcement, and first-responders to express appreciation for their dedication and sacrifices for the community.
Johnson said the team served up 300 plates of ACP (a popular Mexican dish that combines seasoned grilled chicken, Mexican rice, and a creamy cheese sauce), with ingredients and preparation donated by Johnson. Troutman Mayor Teross Young arranged for Food Lion to donate drinks and cookies.
An Ecuadoran native, Johnson was inspired to help after living in the U.S. for many years.
“This country has given me a lot, and I wanted to give back to the country,” she said.
Through a warm meal and expressions of love, Johnson hopes to instill some of her faith and resilience into people now going through challenges.
Vaughn said that serving the kids and families a meal shows them that someone is thinking about and cares for them.
Johnson opened Burritos and Ribs in 2020 just before the beginning of the Covid pandemic. She nearly had to close the restaurant during the lockdown, but when she told people this was the restaurant’s last week, the community flocked in to order food and support her so she could stay open.
Johnson was selected as the 2025 Troutman Citizen of the Year, which she called a “huge honor.” Soon after, she lost her home to a fire.
“If I told you my life, it would make you cry. I’ve been though many things, but I think God is always with me. God is always gives me my support. Sometimes you have to have faith — and know the next day you will have a beautiful day, no matter what.”
She has bought another home, but since she lost nearly everything, she is starting over this Christmas. Thankfully, the Bible her mother gave her survived the fire.
Vaughn noted that even amidst this loss, Johnson opened a second restaurant in Harmony. She was attracted to the area because her father worked on a farm, so she enjoys serving an agricultural community.
Christmas Meal
Vaughn and Johnson are teaming up again to feed struggling kids and first responders on December 26 at 11 a.m. This event will be even bigger, with local businesses donating to make this a Christmas to remember for the children. They are planning to serve 500 meals to enjoy at the restaurant, for take out, or to be delivered by volunteers.
To volunteer to help with the Christmas dinner, contact Johnson (980) 276-0234) or Vaughn at (mvaughn@iss.k12.nc.us).