Martha Frank serves up groceries and a warm smile

Martha Frank, the coordinator of House of Bread, an outreach ministry at St. Francis Xavier Parish in St. Joseph, Missouri, has a twinkle in her eyes and determination in her step. She moves so quickly as she works that you would be lucky to catch a photo without her in a blur.

Story and photos

By Christy Gruenbaum

Martha manages a team of almost 60 volunteers, including drivers and bookkeepers, who provide groceries and essential items as a lifeline for individuals and families. They volunteer because they know firsthand the impact House of Bread has on the community.

Many years ago, Martha was asked by the coordinator at the time if she would like to help serve in the ministry. Her mother had recently passed away, and Martha thought it seemed like good timing. She thought, “I could do this,” so she signed up.

She was trained over time for the many roles it takes to run House of Bread and really enjoyed the experience. Martha is passionate about making sure people have access to the food they need, so when a new coordinator was needed, she was the perfect choice.

House of Bread is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

If you would like to volunteer or contribute, contact the parish office at St. Francis Xavier at 816.232.8449.

Martha starts her day early, arriving at the food pantry before the other volunteers. She takes inventory, and then works quickly packing grocery sacks with a variety of food and supplies. The sacks are loaded onto a small rolling cart with wooden side rails painted by a volunteer with the Kansas City Royals logo. Martha rolls the cart out the front door, and offers the groceries, along with a warm smile, to the person or family waiting outside. House of Bread serves a lot of different people, and the clients have varied as the neighborhood and area has grown and changed. “Right now, we have many Cuban refugees, senior citizens, families, really all age groups,” Martha said. Families receive a bag of groceries and basic necessities and are allowed to come to House of Bread twice a month. House of Bread relies on generous donations from the parish, but sometimes the demand outweighs the available supply. When that happens, Martha purchases discounted supplemental products through Harvesters, such as cereal and macaroni and cheese, to make sure they have something to give everyone.

Martha has boundless energy and a firm resolve to make sure no one goes hungry. “It’s hard right now for people to be able to afford to eat,” she said. “It makes you feel good to help others and be useful. I like being there because I am doing something for the community. I don’t have a lot to give financially, so I give of my time. Our parish is a very giving parish and accepting of all people and so many people do so much. I love being here. It is my home away from home.”