Food Bank of Delaware

About Food Bank of Delaware

Founded in 1985, the Food Bank of Delaware (FBDE) is a statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to ending hunger in Delawares 57 counties and municipalities. Operating out of a central warehouse in Newark, FBDE collects, stores, and distributes nutritious food to a network of 600+ partner agencies, including shelters, churches, schools, and community centers.

Our mission is simple: to provide food assistance to all Delaware residents in need, regardless of race, religion, or background. To accomplish this, we rely on the generosity of individuals, businesses, farms, and government agencies, as well as the dedication of volunteers who donate time, skills, and labor.

Our Impact

Every year, FBDE serves over 400,000 individuals, including children, seniors, veterans, and families facing economic hardship. Below are some key highlights from the most recent fiscal year:

Beyond raw numbers, the Food Bank of Delaware works to improve nutrition outcomes. Over 65% of the food we deliver meets the USDAs MyPlate nutrition guidelines, and we have introduced fresh produce drives, dairy donations, and proteinrich pantry items to ensure balanced meals.

Core Programs

1. Food Distribution Network

Our backbone is a statewide logistics system that moves food from donors to partner agencies efficiently. We operate refrigerated trucks, climatecontrolled storage, and a digital inventory platform that tracks inventory in real time.

2. Mobile Food Pantries

To reach underserved rural areas, we run two mobile pantry trucks that visit designated neighborhoods on a rotating schedule. Each visit brings fresh produce, dairy, and staple items directly to residents who lack reliable transportation.

3. Nutrition Education

Partner agencies receive cooking classes, mealplanning workshops, and grocery budgeting seminars. Our nutrition educators collaborate with local Extension services and the Delaware Department of Health to promote healthy eating habits.

4. Emergency Response

In times of crisisnatural disasters, sudden economic downturns, or public health emergenciesFBDE activates an emergency response protocol that can mobilize 50,000 additional meals within 48hours.

5. Senior Meal Delivery

Our Senior Food Box Program delivers weekly, nutritionally balanced meals to homebound seniors, helping them stay independent while ensuring they receive adequate nutrition.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization. Whether you can spare a few hours per month orre looking for a longterm commitment, there are many ways to get involved:

• Warehouse Helpers: Sort, pack, and load food donations.
• Mobile Pantry Drivers: Operate our food trucks (training provided).
• Food Drives: Organize collection events at schools, churches, or workplaces.
• Administrative Support: Assist with data entry, grant writing, and social media.
• Education Facilitators: Lead nutrition workshops for families and seniors.

All volunteers undergo a brief orientation and background check to ensure safety and compliance.

How You Can Help

Every contributionbig or smallmakes a tangible difference. Below are the most effective ways to support FBDE:

Monetary Donations

One dollar provides roughly one meal for a family of four. Consider setting up a recurring monthly gift or making a onetime donation.

Food Donations

We accept nonperishable items, canned goods, bulk staples, and, when possible, fresh produce. Check our donation guidelines for specifics.

Corporate Partnerships

Businesses can contribute through sponsorships, employeematching programs, or inkind donations of equipment, transportation, or office supplies.

Fundraising Events

Host a charity run, bake sale, or dinner night and direct proceeds to the Food Bank. We provide promotional materials and logistical support.

Our Partners

FBDEs success is built on a collaborative network of partners who share our vision of a hungerfree Delaware.

• Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
• United Way of Delaware
• Farmers markets and local growers
• Major grocery chains (e.g., Walmart, Giant, Superstore)
• Community churches and faithbased organizations
• Corporations: DuPont, JPMorgan Chase, and other regional businesses

If your organization would like to partner with us, please fill out our partnership inquiry form.