Marty Martin, who ran Olivet food truck Truckin' Awesome, helped start food pantry, dies

CHARLOTTE — Marty Martin, owner of the popular Olivet food truck Truckin' Awesome, who helped open and operate the Olivet Community Resource Center food pantry, died Saturday.

"It is with profound sadness that we share the unexpected passing of our beloved founder and owner, Marty, of Truckin' Awesome," read a post on the food truck's Facebook page on Sunday. "His sudden departure has left us all reeling with shock and sorrow. As we navigate this heart-breaking time, Marty's family is taking a moment to mourn and find solace in each other's embrace."

Martin, 59, lived in Charlotte with his wife Dawn. He opened his food truck in 2018, parking it at the Double Nickel Party Store off North Main Street, where he served up his takes on classic diner dishes — including loaded mac and cheese, cheeseburgers, and club sandwiches.

He helped found the food pantry in 2022. The nonprofit, which had no income limitations or rules, is housed in a 1,200-square-foot building Martin rented next to where his truck is usually parked and offers area residents free access to canned goods, fresh vegetables and fruits, dried goods, fresh and frozen meats, and pet food. People who utilize it take what they need, when they need it. The pantry received no government assistance and the truck's operation supported it.

"When you go to most food pantries, you can go once a month and they just hand you a box or whatever they want to give you," Martin said in 2023. "Here, people come in they take what they need, not what I think they need."

Last summer when Martin's food truck was destroyed by a fire, community members stepped up to raise more than $3,600 to help him replace it.

"Marty cherished the opportunity of serving his community and loved to see the smiles it brought to their faces," his obituary said. "He had a heart of gold and was always ready to help anyone in need."

Martin's death was unexpected, according to the Facebook post.

"We, too, are grappling with the loss of a visionary leader and a dear friend," the post said. "Your unwavering support and understanding during this trying period mean the world to us. We ask for your patience as we come to terms with this immense loss and chart a path forward."

Martin's truck and the pantry has been temporarily closed, said the post.

Sherman and Martin had just celebrated 20 years together.

"Life, no matter how difficult, is always easier with love," Sherman said in a Facebook message. "We are trying to find a way to keep the pantry open because he would want that more than the truck."

According to Martin's obituary, memorial services will take place at a later date.

Contact Reporter Rachel Greco at rgreco@lsj.com. Follow her on X @GrecoatLSJ.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Marty Martin, who ran Olivet food truck Truckin' Awesome, helped start food pantry, dies