Catholic Charities, Inc. of the Diocese of Wilmington again asks for all its communities to “Stock the Pantry” by contributing nonperishable food goods in order for the agency to meet the unprecedented need for food assistance during the pandemic.
The COVID-19-related shelter in place and state of emergency orders have helped slow the spread of the virus but have contributed to high unemployment. The number of people who have experienced job loss or a reduction in hours has dramatically increased requests for food assistance, some months have been as high as six times previous year’s requests. Catholic Charities has been able to meet this great need with the support of its communities.
During COVID-19, Catholic Charities Food Assistance Program is safely distributing food in Wilmington, from its Thrift Center on East 23rd Street. Donors can drop off food, personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies and grocery store gift cards at all Catholic Charities locations during normal business hours.
Other locations with food assistance programs are Bayard House in Wilmington, the Kent County Catholic Charities office in Dover, Casa San Francisco in Milton, and at Seton Center in Princess Anne, Md. People interested in receiving food assistance must apply for program membership on Catholic Charities website, www.cdow.org/charities, or by contacting the location closest to them: in New Castle County at 302-655-9624, in Kent County at 302-674-1600, in Sussex County at 302-684-8694 or at Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland at 410-651-9608.
Currently, Catholic Charities serves more than 3,000 households each year through its food cooperatives and emergency food pantries.
In addition to nonperishable food and grocery store gift cards, Catholic Charities is grateful for monetary donations in order to purchase additional food to fill bags for the food assistance programs.
To make a monetary donation, visit Catholic Charities website, www.cdow.org/charities. Designate your gift to food assistance.
People can drop off food at the locations, listed below, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.:
Main Office
2061 W 4th Street
Wilmington, DE 19805
302-655-9624
Bayard House *
300 Bayard Avenue
Wilmington, DE 19805
302-654-1184
Marydel Retirement Village
135 Jeandel Drive
Newark, DE 19713
302-368-2784
Kent County Office
2099 S. DuPont Highway
Dover, DE 19901
302-674-1600
Sussex County Office
406 S. Bedford Street, Suite 9
Georgetown. DE 1994
302-856-9578
Casa Sam Francisco *
127 Broad Street
Milton, DE 19968
302-684-8694
Seton Center
30632 Hampden Avenue
Princess Anne, MD 21853
410-651-9608
Suggested items for donation include nonperishable and shelf stable items. Catholic Charities needs the following items:
- Canned Meats, vegetables and fruit
- Canned Meals (chili, soup, stew, etc.)
- Dried and canned beans
- Boxes of pasta, macaroni & cheese, crackers, cereal, oatmeal, and pancake mix
- Jars of peanut butter and jelly
- Juices, coffee, tea, instant breakfasts, hot chocolate
- Shelf stable milk – canned, dry, evaporated or U.H.T. fluid milk in aseptic containers
- Baby food and cereal
- Condiments like spreads, ketchup, mustard, relish, barbeque sauce, pickles, syrup
- Cleaning products
- Personal hygiene products
Catholic Charities, the charitable arm of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, has been serving those in need for over 190 years, offering a wide range of services to strengthen families, care for children, assist the disadvantaged, and build human relationships throughout Delaware and the Easter Shore of Maryland.