Behind Beach Resorts: Fighting Hunger in Sussex County

August 22, 2025

Our refrigerated trucks deliver nutritious food directly to underserved communities across the state through our mobile pantry program. These trucks make scheduled visits to neighborhoods and apartment complexes, helping neighbors who may not be able to access grocery stores on their own.

Even during the busy tourist season, some neighbors lack transportation to supermarkets just a few miles away along heavily traveled Route 1. Others face financial challenges such as medical bills or family emergencies. Just last week, one of our trucks set up a mobile pantry in Lewes, in the heart of Delaware’s coastal resort area.

At the Harbour Towne complex – including Savannah East, Savannah West, Woods Edge, and Mills Landing senior apartments – residents lined up when Fresh, one of our dedicated drivers, pulled into the parking lot.

Regional manager Niki Polk explains that residents receive notification letters encouraging them to visit the mobile pantry if they are experiencing food insecurity. She notes that while the resort communities may appear “ritzy,” poverty is still a very real issue.

“In East Atlantic in Rehoboth, we had another mobile pantry,” Polk said. “And behind one complex, in the woods, there are tents where people experiencing homelessness live. Every community has people in need. It’s good that we can be of help.”

For some, the pantry is a lifeline. One Woods Edge resident, a retired concrete finisher, pulled a red wagon across the lot to collect his groceries – chicken, frozen broccoli, fresh peaches, milk, and more. “This will definitely help me and my wife,” he said. “We’re in fairly decent health, but I just spent $1,100 trying to get my truck fixed to pass inspection. It didn’t pass the emissions, so I’m behind the 8-ball.”

Neighbors across Delaware can find a mobile pantry near their home by clicking here. On-site registration is available, but proof of Delaware residency is required.