First State Community Action Agency hosts food distribution

Nearly 200 families took part in a Sept. 28 food distribution, with drivers lined up around First State Community Action Agency’s Railroad Avenue headquarters waiting to have boxes of food put in their cars.

Boxes included chicken donated by Perdue Farms, other protein, fresh produce, and canned and boxed items. 

The distribution was a group effort among Food Bank of Delaware, First State Community Action Agency and La Esperanza. The food bank received a $49,000 grant from the state-run Healthy Communities Delaware to purchase food for needy families. Kim Turner, FBD communications director, said the food bank then sought the support of community organizations around the state to identify areas with at-risk families. This is the second time the Food Bank of Delaware has brought its mobile pantry to First State Community Action Agency. 

“The response has been big,” Turner said. 

Turner said since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March, the food bank has had monthly drive-thru distributions; the Sept. 25 event at Crossroad Community Church in Georgetown served more than 1,000 people. Turner said the food bank has distributed 9 million pounds of food since the year began. 

Bernice Edwards, executive director of First State Community Action Agency, said, “It means quite a bit for us. We already have a food pantry, but because of COVID-19, we’ve seen so many people who have lost their jobs. It’s very hard for them trying to navigate and make sure they have just the basics.” 

Seeing the number of cars lined up, Edwards said, “That tells you: People are in need.”