When Kristen Skrobanek, her husband and two sons participated in their family bible study program, the group decided to add community service as a key component.
They decided to include doing something good for others and came up with the idea of providing food for a family in need. They prepared a box of food and thought that when the single mom came to collect it, they would feel satisfaction. After all, it feels good to do good. Right?
But somehow, their act of generosity was not as satisfying as they had expected.
Despite their efforts, the hunger remained. In fact, the statistics around hunger and food insecurity are dire. In New Jersey, the prevalence of household food insecurity is 9.8%, which reflects an 18% increase in 2023 from 2021 which translates into about 350,000 households or over one million residents in the state.
That was when the family realized they needed to do more.
Having a greater impact
In 2012 Kristen and her family began taking a different approach to address the awful reality of hunger in their community.
With so many going hungry, they decided to offer an alternative solution. At first, they worked through the educational system, recognizing that the schools were a significant source of information for data about the families in the area. They were determined to slow down the process of feeding those in need in order to create a social atmosphere that encouraged conversation and reinforced camaraderie.
As they evolved from offering boxes of food to instead providing a real experience, they were able to use food as the platform for change.
Serving pancakes was the first step in meeting the community in their own environment. With pancakes coming hot off the grill and a delicious aroma filling the room, coming into the facility felt more like attending a party than visiting a traditional food pantry. Sitting down together to a tasty meal gave everyone a chance to talk to each other, to learn about each other and to share with each other.
Although Covid caused challenges, once the danger passed they were able to pivot to a new platform.
Creating a grocery store atmosphere, complete with shelves filled with a variety of food options and rolling grocery carts, enabled Kristen and her team to offer a true ‘choice’ shopping experience. As the guests walked down the aisles selecting food items, they had the chance to discuss recipes or begin planning meals. In addition, this friendly environment offered the opportunity to discuss family issues and other concerns.
The emphasis on a personal touch changed everything.
More than delivering food
A nurse by profession, Kristen has always been committed to improving the lives of those around her.
If asked ‘why she does what she does,’ Kristen would point out that offering food with dignity was only the start of the role she could play in the community. With a passion for making a difference, Kristen formed a nonprofit organization under the guidance of an associate pastor.
She created a board, held meetings, and made sure she had the right people in the right seats. Together they have been able to move Your Place at the Table (YPATT) to a whole new level, collaborating with others to address the needs of the neighborhood, including forging partnerships with the Rotary, Shop Rite and our local businesses to name a few.
Aware of all the limitations faced by an economically challenged community, under her leadership, the organization continues to focus on meeting families where they are. Gas is expensive, public transportation is an obstacle and being invisible is a daily reality. So instead, Kristen brings the resources to those in need.
From pop-up pantries that run all summer to health screening, access to vaccines, healthy eating cooking classes and even fraud awareness events presented by Columbia Bank – she is covering all bases to answer ‘why’ – because the objective is to make life better for all.
After years of commitment to bringing the power of dignity to all, Kristen has learned the value of giving people choices.
Lessons learned on the front line
At Your Place at the Table (YPATT), there is no way to distinguish the volunteers from the guests.
They eat together, volunteer together, talk together, and share together; everyone benefits from being on a level playing field. The culture at the pantry supports a tightly knit, powerful network.
Through these relationships, Skrobanek has learned several lessons:
- Never assume. You don’t really know anyone’s story until they share it – and you are probably wrong in your assumptions!
- Take time to listen carefully. Everyone has a unique story and a personal history.
- Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to take a risk and show vulnerability.
- It feels good to do good. Provide others with a chance to give – they will be grateful for the opportunity.
- One conversation leads to another. Engage with others and see where the connection takes you!
- Be open and ready to evolve. You may start out going in one direction only to get turned around; the detour may not be an obstacle but instead may prove to be just the solution you seek.
- Don’t worry so much. It doesn’t do any good and things usually turn out for the best anyway.
- Give your team the resources and support they need. Then trust them to grow and flourish without micro-managing.
- Dream big. Be patient and watch the dream unfold.
- Be curious. Be sincerely interested in the lives of those around you. You might be surprised!
Be inspired
See the difference one person can make in the lives of many. To learn more or find ways to support the organization, visit YPATT.org
