Defiance Area Foundation Grant Supports Growing St. John’s Food Pantry

The Defiance Area Foundation has awarded a $1,000 grant to the St. John’s Lutheran Food Pantry in Hicksville during its 2026 Spring Grant Cycle. Funding for the grant was provided through the Hanna Family Memorial Fund under the Defiance Area Foundation umbrella.

The grant will help provide food pantry supplies for the growing pantry, which was established one year ago to serve individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in the Hicksville community.

The pantry is located outside St. John’s Lutheran Church and is accessible to anyone in need without paperwork or requirements. According to Food Pantry Lead Volunteer Jay Turnbull, demand for the pantry has grown greater than expected since the project began.

The organization also plans to begin opening an indoor pantry space one day each month to further serve the community.