NORTHFIELD – Joyce Hunt, executive director of The Emergency Assistance Center, has resigned from her position effective May 28, citing family obligations as close relatives face life-threatening illnesses.
Hunt announced her departure in a letter to supporters, ending a 13-year tenure that saw significant growth in the organization’s volunteers, funding, equipment and staff. The Emergency Assistance Center serves 609 people in 215 households including 173 seniors and 172 children as of March 2025, according to the organization’s website.
The food pantry serves 12 communities across northern Summit County, providing monthly food assistance to families in need. Hunt transformed the center into a “Choice Pantry” in 2012, allowing clients to choose exactly the foods they want to take home to their families.
In her resignation letter, Hunt emphasized the organization’s motto that “family comes first” as her reason for stepping away from the role. She expressed gratitude for her time serving the organization and its food-insecure neighbors.
No information has been provided about Hunt’s replacement or interim leadership plans. The organization is governed by a board of directors that provides oversight of operations and staff, according to Better Business Bureau records.
The Emergency Assistance Center provided enough food for 12,789 meals in March 2025 alone. The organization serves residents in zip codes including Northfield Center, Northfield Village, Sagamore Hills, Macedonia, Twinsburg, Reminderville, Richfield and Peninsula.
The center operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 9433 Olde Eight Road in Northfield and is entirely community-funded through donations.
