Ernie Martel’s story began spreading soon after his initiative, The Little Food Pantry, caught the attention of residents at Tiffany Springs Senior Living, where he and his wife settled five years ago. Community flyers showcased the pantry’s mission, sparking interest in the 90-year-old man who launched this heartfelt effort in 2021. Even in retirement, Ernie’s unwavering commitment to helping others speaks volumes about his character.
His work is more than just an act of kindness – it’s a love story decades in the making, and the dream of The Little Food Pantry endures to honor the love of his life.
A Love Story That Feeds a Community
Ernie Martel’s devotion to his community is deeply woven into the love he shared with his late wife, June. Their story began decades ago, growing up in the same neighborhood. Though they weren’t close as kids, June was on Ernie’s mind as he prepared to leave for the Navy. Hoping for a connection, he found her address in the phone book and sent a letter. To his delight, she replied.
Over the next year and a half, their letters grew into something special. In a quiet but meaningful gesture, they exchanged class rings – though Ernie had an extra reason for requesting hers. He needed her ring size. When he finally returned to Kansas City, they met for the first time at Union Station. Ernie proposed right away, and June said yes.
Their love was steadfast, carrying them through marriage, raising five children and building a life together. When Ernie, a pre-med student at the University of Kansas, was offered Navy-funded schooling, June worried about the time apart. Without hesitation, he abandoned his plans and took a job managing a grocery store instead. His priority had always been June and their family.
A Mission in June’s Memory
For 50 years, Ernie worked in grocery stores, and even in retirement, he kept going, working part-time until a back injury finally forced him to officially retire a few years ago. When June passed away from Alzheimer’s shortly after they moved to Tiffany Springs, Ernie wanted to honor her in a way that would make a real difference.
They had always supported charities like Shriners and Children’s Mercy, but Ernie longed for something more personal to give back to his local community. That desire led to The Little Food Pantry in the Northmoor area.
The Little Food Pantry, as Ernie dreamed it, would be a community-based pantry offering free food to those in need, no questions asked. Community members could stop by and take the items that they need to feed themselves or their families. Ernie was so excited about this opportunity to give back in his own neighborhood.
After meeting with the mayor, he received approval under two simple conditions: The pantry must always be stocked and kept free of trash. With his son’s help, he built a 4’x4’ pantry in a city park near HUD housing, dubbed The Little Food Pantry.
Feeding the Hungry, One Meal at a Time
At first, Ernie accepted food donations from anyone willing to help. But as his apartment filled with supplies, he realized he needed a new system. Now, he relies on monetary donations, keeping careful records and planning each shopping trip to maximize the impact the food pantry makes every month.
Once a week, Ernie and his son shop, using the community’s donations, often including his own funds, to stock the pantry. Before each drop-off, he weighs himself holding the bags to track exactly how much food he’s given away. To date, over 20,000 pounds of food have gone to those in need.
Currently, it costs about $400 per month to keep the food pantry stocked, but Ernie is facing the challenge of the rising cost of groceries. As many as 30 families per week visit the food pantry, and the pantry is often empty by the time he returns to restock, proof of how vital it is to the community.
Many of the donations come from Tiffany Springs Senior Living residents, but with the rising costs and Ernie’s inability to work any longer, The Little Food Pantry needs more community support to continue operating.
Another great group of supporters include St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, whose youth group stock the pantry every Wednesday as a community service outreach effort.
“We are doing everything we can to make sure that those who rely on us don’t go without, but we are running into some real challenges now,” said Ernie. “The rising prices and my inability to continue working are making it difficult to keep up, but with the help of our community, I believe we can keep the pantry full and continue to serve those in need.”
Still, Ernie believes in the power of giving, and he believes that The Little Food Pantry will continue to make a great impact in the community. His motto is simple: Take what you need, leave what you can.
A Love That Endures
Every night, before Ernie goes to sleep, he talks to June. Her cremated remains sit on his nightstand, and sharing updates on the pantry has become his way of keeping her close.
His apartment tells the story of his life: one filled with devotion to June and his love for the University of Kansas. Jayhawk memorabilia is scattered throughout, but the most treasured items are the black-and-white photos of June, taped to his headboard. It was her idea: “So no matter which way we lay at night, we always have each other’s back.”
A Legacy of Giving
For Ernie, The Little Food Pantry is about more than feeding the hungry – it’s about honoring June. It stands as a symbol of the love and kindness that defined their 64 years together.
His hope is that others will be inspired to give, whether through donations, service or simple acts of kindness. Because, as Ernie has proven, even the smallest gestures can leave the greatest legacy.
It is very important to Ernie that everyone understand how grateful he is to his neighbors at Tiffany Springs Senior Living for their generosity. He shared, “There is no way I could do this without each and every one of my neighbors dropping a dollar in the donation bins.”
If you are interested in helping Ernie stock The Little Food Pantry for his community, please contact Tiffany Springs Senior Living Sales & Marketing Coordinator Daphne Miller at 816-621-3800.
