Taste of Milton to raise funds for community food pantry Sept. 28

The Milton Community Food Pantry is celebrating its 10th anniversary and will host the Taste of Milton fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Milton Fire Hall, 116 Front St., Milton. 

The event will showcase Milton’s best chefs, and raise money for the pantry and its clients. Tasters will be able to vote for their favorite restaurant/chef.

Tickets are $60 per person. Participants are Abbott’s Grill, Dogfish Head, Greater Good Events (Children’s Beach House), Irish Eyes, Pizza Machine, Po’Boys Creole and Fresh Catch, Teach A Person to Fish Society, The Nook and Zava Cafe.

The event includes a cash bar, silent auction, music by Frantic Frets and dessert by Bites of Delight. Guests must be ages 21 and above.

For more information and to purchase tickets, go to miltonpantry.org.

Throughout its history, MCFP has worked collaboratively and strategically to respond to a growing need. The organization has worked closely with its partners to increase its capacity to provide not just more food, but healthier food, creating new partnerships along the way. The pantry has expanded its outreach by building a new distribution center to reach as many food-insecure community neighbors as possible. This improvement has made a significant impact on programs and on the lives of residents.

“We have been combating hunger in Milton and the surrounding areas for 10 years, but we are still growing because of the increasing need to feed families with food insecurities,” said Lawrence Bivens, MCFP president.

From January to June 2023, the pantry served 1,166 families or 4,444 individuals. From January through June 2024, the pantry has have served 2,019 families, or 7,388 individuals, an increase of 853 families (73.2%) and an increase of 2,944 individuals (66.2%).

As the pantry organizers look to the future, they envision a food-secure Sussex County where everyone has access to food that promotes health and well-being.

Rep. Stell Parker Selby, D-Milton, said, “I applaud the Milton Community Food Pantry volunteers for caring and giving so much to help our citizens in need of food assistance. Helping our fellow citizens is one of the highest means to show concern and love to our neighbors.” 

The pantry plans to continue its work guided by its core values of collaboration, dedication, service and integrity. Due to the unprecedented generosity of many during uncertain times, the pantry has been able to increase its food distribution capacity from bimonthly to four times a month. Volunteers and donations are always needed.