Thanks to a generous donation from Bayhealth to fund five mobile pantries, the Food Bank of Delaware was able to distribute 9,338 pounds of food to 140 families in March. Four more distributions are scheduled through June.

The first of these pantries, intentionally planned to offer healthy food to neighbors at easily accessible locations, was held at Bayhealth at Blue Hen Corporate Center in Dover. Bayhealth's Community Outreach team coordinates the location, staff and health screenings for each event.

Amanda C. Bowie, MSM, CLSSB, Bayhealth vice president of marketing, communications and community outreach, said the positive impacts of community food distribution are immediate and important. “Patients are at the center of all we do. Providing fresh food in partnership with trusted organizations like the Food Bank is one way we demonstrate that commitment to our community. We screen our patients for social determinants of health and know that many need food assistance. Our care extends beyond our walls,” she said.

“We are grateful for Bayhealth’s partnership,” said Food Bank of Delaware CEO and President Cathy Kanefsky. “We know that so many families across our state are facing unprecedented financial hardships. Hardworking families struggle to make ends meet due to the increased cost of living. These pantries provide a little breathing room for our neighbors as they juggle their monthly budgets.”

To learn more about the Food Bank of Delaware’s mobile pantry program and see the schedule, go to fbd.org/program/mobile-pantry.