Words From The Warden
Recently, we received our copy of the Licking County Food Pantry News in the mail. It reminded me of the vital role that St. Luke’s Market Street Pantry and the Granville Turkey Trot, sponsored by St. Luke’s, play in supporting the Food Pantry Network. The Turkey Trot alone generated an impressive $130,000 in 2025, and over its 20-year history, it has surpassed a total donation of $1 million. These contributions are truly remarkable and have a significant effect on the local community.
The Food Pantry Network is able to turn each $1 donated into $11 worth of food. To put that into perspective, a $7 donation feeds three seniors for a month, $20 provides 1,200 boxes of cereal, and $27 operates the produce market for a day. The generosity of donors and the efficiency of the Food Pantry Network make a real difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity.
Not long ago, I observed a family shopping at Kroger. It was clear they were carefully considering every purchase, mindful of how much they could afford. A pound of hamburger and a box of macaroni didn’t seem sufficient for their family of five. In the past, they would have been able to buy five pounds of beef for the price of one pound now. This shift in food prices has made it increasingly challenging for families to stretch their dollars and provide enough food.
Witnessing this family brought back memories of my grandparents, Paul and Francis Zaborniak, who lived on 28th Street in Lorain, Ohio. Papa Zaborniak, always dressed in dark trousers, a white shirt, and a dark tie. He owned a two-chair barber shop on the same property as their house. Grandma Zaborniak wore a “house dress” at home but dressed up for outings. One day, while I was sitting in front of their TV, Papa came in as the news reported that a loaf of bread cost 20 cents. He reached into his pocket, jingled some coins, and remarked, “Sinno (Polish slang for little boy), in 1931 bread was 2 cents a loaf, but there was no jingle.”
My grandparents were not wealthy, but their generosity stood out. My grandpa would be heartbroken today to see how many people “have no jingle”—how many struggle to make ends meet and afford the basics. He would be pleased to see the generous spirit of our church family.
Over the past year, the demand for food assistance has surged dramatically. The number of families seeking help increased by 30%, while support from state and federal government sources fell by 10%. This combination of rising need and declining aid has placed additional stress on our resources.
At our Market Street Pantry, it is now common to assist more than 130 families each week. In comparison, just two years ago, we were serving closer to 60 families weekly. This sharp increase underscores how quickly circumstances can change for so many in our community.
Food insecurity remains a persistent issue, especially for vulnerable groups. In Ohio, twenty percent of seniors and children face food insecurity every day, highlighting the importance and urgency of our work. Despite our efforts, there is still much to be done.
The challenges are ongoing. The cost of living continues to climb, making it harder for families to stretch their budgets. Unforeseen emergencies—such as job loss, illness, or other crises—can quickly push individuals and families into difficult situations. Ultimately, no one is immune to these pressures; we are all affected in some way by the realities of food insecurity and rising expenses.
It is important to recognize that hunger is not simply the result of an absence of food. Rather, it is a complex political and economic issue, deeply influenced by inequality, policy decisions, and power structures. This perspective highlights that the challenges of hunger and food insecurity extend far beyond what any one person can resolve alone.
Even though the scale of the problem may feel overwhelming, we are reminded by the words of Unitarian Clergyman Edwin Hale: “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” While one person may not be able to solve hunger entirely, each of us can still make a meaningful difference.
Ways to Make a Difference
Donating to organizations that fight food insecurity
Advocating policies that address hunger and inequality
Volunteering time and skills to support those in need
By taking these steps, we each contribute to alleviating hunger and supporting our community, even if we cannot solve the entire issue on our own. When we feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty and welcome a stranger we serve Christ himself.
Peace,
Henry Zaborniak, Senior Warden