Food Ministries
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Food Ministries Update
It has been a tough couple of months here in the food pantry. Panic over what might happen with SNAP benefits, then what did happen to SNAP benefits had families so scared. SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and those funds go to about 50,000 people in the 8 counties that make up the Second Harvest Food Bank region. Those families have to choose between rent, utilities, gas, car repair, medicine and food every month. For them, Second Harvest tells us that for every 10 meals, SNAP pays for 9 of them and food pantries cover the remaining one. We can not ever make up that difference. People poured into food pantries and you could literally feel the fear. Frankly, it has been incredibly hard. I hope the panic goes away as benefits are restored, but I’m not sure the fear will. It was so easy to cut people off and so devastating. That’s a trauma that stays in your gut.
You all have stood in the gap like warriors. I mean it. As one man said, “I see it all over! People are having a hard time. It hurts your heart.” He said that as he carried in food for the pantry. Your hearts were also hurt, and like him, you did something. You brought so much food. We were able to serve 1,136 people in October and are on track for at least that many this month.
We didn’t do Thanksgiving baskets this year because we just couldn’t bear to choose a few when there were so many that needed so much. Because you were so generous in giving, we just kept giving, too, and trusted that if God brought the people, He would bring the provision. He did just that. He used your hands and feet and hearts and fed everyone who came to this table.
This Thanksgiving my heart is full of gratitude because of you. Thank you for listening to your heart! Together, we are doing all we can. God bless us all.
~Lawson Hunsicker
Food Ministries Coordinator
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About our Food Mninistries
St. Mary Neighborhood Food Pantry
The food pantry began in 2010 with a few cans of food and a locker for those in need. Over the years, thanks to generous donations, it expanded and, by 2022, became a full-time community outreach ministry. It operates entirely on food donations and funds, and is open over 50 hours a month, more than any other pantry in Madison County. The pantry also partners with other local pantries, a meat wholesaler in Indianapolis, and St. John Vianney Church in Fishers for additional support.
Soup KitchenOur Soup Kitchen, established in 1997, began with parishioner Ron Cole and six cooks making 12 gallons of soup. It has now grown to involve around 60 volunteers who prepare various soups using donated or purchased ingredients. The soup is delivered to the Christian Center for the homeless and Alternatives for women escaping violence. Each month, they produce 60 gallons of soup, feeding approximately 720 people.
Second Harvest Food DriveIn 2015, parishioner George Zink and Tim Kaine from the Second Harvest Food Bank in Muncie launched a successful food distribution initiative directly to St. Mary School. This initiative has grown significantly, with food now delivered twice a month and managed by a dedicated team of parishioners. They serve 119 families—398 individuals—monthly through the Second Harvest Drive-Thru. The drive-thru remains open to all, supported by community contributions.
Panera Bread MinistryThe Panera Bread Ministry is a long-standing tradition in our pastorate. Every Friday evening, volunteers collect surplus bread and pastries from Panera Bread. The items are then taken to our food pantry, where volunteers slice and bag them for weekend distribution at St. Mary Church. Any leftover bread is sent to the Food Pantry to reach more people in need. This weekly effort ensures no bread goes to waste while helping those in need.
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