At this time of year when many economically beset families are forced to decide between spending on eating or heating, Catholic Charities Inc. of the Diocese of Wilmington, is asking all communities to “Stock the Pantry” by contributing nonperishable food goods so the agency can meet the high demand for emergency food distributions.
“The economic reality today is that many of our neighbors are choosing between buying food and making their rent, mortgage, or utility payment,” said Richelle Vible, Catholic Charities’ executive director. “The benefit reduction from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, also harms low-income households already at risk of going hungry. The donations of food that we receive from our neighbors helps us meet the increasing demand we are experiencing. We continue to need your support.”
The food drive will continue throughout February. Donors can drop off food and grocery store gift cards at Catholic Charities locations during business hours.
Catholic Charities coordinates food cooperative programs at Bayard House in Wilmington, the Kent County Catholic Charities office in Dover, Casa San Francisco in Milton, and at Seton Center in Princess Anne, Maryland. Residents can apply for membership in the programs by contacting the location closest to them: Bayard House at (302) 654-1184, the Kent County office at (302) 674-1600, Casa San Francisco at (302) 684-8694, or Seton Center at (410) 651-9608. For those in crisis who need food, Casa and Seton Center operate emergency food pantries. Those in need can get an emergency distribution by visiting the nearest location.
Catholic Charities serves over 3,000 households each year through both programs.
In addition to nonperishable food and grocery store gift cards, Catholic Charities will also accept monetary donations. To make an online donation, visit Catholic Charities’ secure donation site, www.cdow.org/ccdonation.html. Under “Please designate my gift to the following ministry,” choose Food Distribution Programs.
Catholic Charities will accept donations at its locations Monday through Friday between 9 am to 4 pm. Drop off food donations at:
• Main Office: 2601 W 4th St., Wilmington, DE 19805, (302) 655-9624
• Bayard House:* 300 Bayard Ave., Wilmington, DE 19805, (302) 654-1184
• Marydale Retirement Village: 135 Jeandell Dr., Newark, DE 19713, (302) 368-2784
• Kent County Office: 2099 S. DuPont Hwy., Dover, DE 19901, (302) 674-1600
• Sussex County Office: 406 S. Bedford St., Ste. 9, Georgetown, DE 19947, (302) 856-9578
• Casa San Francisco:* 127 Broad St., Milton, DE 19968, (302) 684-8694
• Seton Center: 30632 Hampden Ave., Princess Ann, MD 21853, (410) 651-9608
Catholic Charities, serving those in need for over 180 years, offers a wide range of services to strengthen families, care for children, assist the disadvantaged, and build human relationships throughout Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
*Casa San Francisco and Bayard House can accept donations 7 days a week. Please call ahead before making a donation.
• Suggested items
Suggested items for donation include nonperishable and shelf stable items. Catholic Charities needs the following items:
• Canned meats (chicken, tuna, salmon), vegetables and fruit
• Canned meals (soup, chili, stew, corned beef hash)
• Dried and canned beans
• Boxes of pasta, macaroni and cheese, crackers, cereal, oatmeal, and pancake mix
• Jars of peanut butter and jelly
• Juices, coffee, tea, hot cocoa mix, instant breakfasts
• Shelf-stable milk – canned, dry, evaporated, or U.H.T. fluid milk in aseptic containers
• Baby food and cereal
• Condiment-like spreads, ketchup, mustard, relish, barbecue sauce, pickles and syrup
• Cleaning products
• Personal hygiene items.
