In the Spring of 2023, FSA opened its doors to the new food pantry, housed in the lower level of the main office. It’s purpose: to feed families served by FSA who are facing food insecurity, specifically in emergency situations. At the same time, Maria Hughes began her employment at FSA as a Youth & Family Clinician in the Outreach Prevention Program. Maria was an incredible advocate for the food pantry and Marisue Sack, who coordinates the food pantry logistics and operations, always described Maria as “her best customer.” Maria always made sure the families she served were taken care of – bringing them food, bread donated by Bread Service PA, and other resources. It was rare to see her without her pink crate, full of food, for the next family she was seeing.

In early 2023, Maria passed away suddenly. FSA was impacted greatly by her loss as well as those who she served. It was then that several staff came together, all having the same idea: dedicating the food pantry to Maria.  Maria’s Market- it all made sense.

On July 20, 2023, everyone gathered in Maria’s honor to dedicate the food pantry to her. Her family joined her colleagues as well as members of the FSA Board of Directors for the dedication, followed by a shared meal together prepared by the FSA Wellness Committee.

Maria’s legacy will be in the food FSA distributes on a daily basis to the families in need.

Maria’s Pantry- Feeding Families One Crate at a Time