Greensburg Salem Food Launches Exciting New Program Tribute to Ashley Kertes: Join Us in Making a Difference

Christina Gongaware Noga honors her late sister by fighting hunger at Hutchinson Elementary in Greensburg Salem. After her sister, Ashley Gongaware Kertes, passed away unexpectedly at 36, Christina set up the Ashley Gongaware Kertes Fund to support local students.

Since its launch last year, the fund has raised an impressive $45,000. This money helps provide nonperishable snacks and meals for students to take home, ensuring they have enough to eat outside of school.

“It feels amazing to know my sister’s caring spirit lives on through this program,” Christina shared. “She loved this school and dedicated herself to making it better.”

The initiative, called the “Pride Pack Pantry,” delivers juice, cereal, snacks, and meals like macaroni and cheese directly to students. Since the program began on March 14, over 1,000 food bags have been sent home with children. Every student, around 523 in total, receives a bag to help combat food insecurity.

Prior to this program, Hutchinson was the only school in the district without a food initiative. Other schools, like Metzgar Elementary and Nicely Elementary, have similar supports in place, demonstrating the community’s commitment to tackling hunger. In fact, more than half of students in the Greensburg Salem district face economic challenges, with an alarming 70% at Hutchinson being classified as economically disadvantaged.

Superintendent Ken Bissell, along with Christina and Westmoreland County Commissioner Sean Kertes, drew inspiration for the program from a successful food initiative in the Deer Lakes School District. This program, started by retired teacher Carol McCaskey, has been helping local children since 2013.

With plans to broaden the Pride Pack Pantry to other elementary schools, the district is determined to help even more families. Christina’s fund aims to organize its second annual fundraising event in August to support this important work further.

Food insecurity in schools is a growing concern nationwide. According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one in nine households faced food insecurity in 2021. Schools that recognize and address this issue play a crucial role in helping children focus on learning rather than hunger.

By supporting programs like this one, communities can make a meaningful impact on the lives of local children, ensuring that every student has the nourishment they need to thrive.

Quincey Reese, a reporter for TribLive, covers the Greensburg and Hempfield areas. She joined in 2023 after interning with the company and can be reached at qreese@triblive.com.

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