STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — In a quiet but powerful mission to support Staten Islanders in need, volunteers at the St. Edward’s Food Pantry continue to serve with compassion. On Sept. 24, they marked the 20th anniversary of their feeding effort with a celebration that began with Holy Mass. The pantry operates out of two repurposed trailers on the grounds of Mount St. Loretto, located at 6581 Hylan Blvd.
The Pleasant Plains food pantry itself started in 1952 on the grounds of Camp St. Edward’s, then on the other side of Hylan Boulevard from its current location. When the camp property was sold, the pantry moved from the campgrounds to Mount Loretto’s property. Mount Loretto operates under the umbrella of Catholic Charities of Staten Island. The trailers were procured by a pantry volunteer, Raymond Martin, and laid in place 20 years ago several yards away from the iconic Church of St. Joachim and St. Anne.
Mrs. Margaret Moschetto, Executive Director of St. Edward’s Food Pantry in Staten Island, has seen firsthand how dignity and compassion can transform a simple act of giving into something much deeper. The native Staten Islander has been at the charitable calling for much of her lifetime. And she wants to thank everyone on Staten Island who has contributed to the success of this pantry over the years.
She said, “We are where we are today because of the generosity of the larger Staten Island community. Thank you for walking this journey with us.”
Through Mrs. Moschetto, Sr. Vincent Marie Wilson, offered a formal statement: “The St. Edward Food Pantry proudly marks its 20th anniversary of blessing the trailers that house the food for those in need. We honor the enduring legacy of serving the most vulnerable members of our community with dignity, compassion, and love.”
Giving back quietly
Mrs. Moschetto credits everyday Staten Islanders who feel a personal connection to St. Edward’s Food Pantry. Some were orphaned and grew up at “The Mount,” as it’s known colloquially, while others once relied on the pantry themselves. Many now give back in quiet, generous ways: bringing shopping carts full of food from local supermarkets, where volunteers host food drives, offering their time out of respect, or contributing money when they can. Their support was especially evident during a recent drive at a nearby Stop & Shop.
“Other people give time, talent, or treasure—they use their skills,” Mrs. Moschetto said. “If anyone is looking to take part in the ministry, call us.” She provided the number: 718-984-1625.
“Yes, I’ve been there, but I like the way you treat us,” one regular client told Mrs. Moschetto and her assistant director Barbara Kelly, referring to other pantries closer to his home. He was willing to ride a bus for over an hour to reach the bucolic campus on which St. Edward’s lives.
That kind of feedback, Mrs. Moschetto said, reflects the pantry’s broader mission: to serve not just with food, but with dignity and respect.
A Mass of Thanksgiving at the Church of St. Joachim and St. Anne was celebrated on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025 on the grounds of Mt. Loretto. It was celebrated by Fr. Eric Rapaglia and Fr. Evangelio “Gil” Suaybaguio. The Mass participants included the pantry’s volunteers, donors, and benefactors.
“That day commemorated the 20th anniversary of the blessing of the Pantry Trailers,” Mrs. Moschetto said. “It was a beautiful full-circle moment to have Fr. Gil with us again.”
Camp St. Edward’s legacy
The Mass also honored the legacy of Camp St. Edward, founded over 70 years ago by the Franciscan Handmaids of the Most Pure Heart of Mary. For over 50 years, the camp welcomed inner city children, offering a safe and spiritually enriching summer retreat. Though the camp closed in 2003, its spirit lives on in the pantry ministry that continues to serve Staten Islanders today.
Following the Mass, guests gathered for a blessing of the pantry grounds and shared refreshments, marking the occasion with reflection and fellowship.
Ministry Built on Dignity
For more than 300 families, St. Edward’s Food Pantry has become a place of consistency and quiet care. While its primary mission is to provide food, its deeper purpose is reflected in how it treats the people who walk through its doors…