Do Care Doula Foundation offers food, focus on families

May 12, 2025

Do Care Doula Foundation, Inc. on West Loockerman Street – the heart of downtown Dover – might seem like an odd place for a food pantry, but for those who need it, it’s definitely in the right place.

This agency’s focus is on women and children, especially expectant mothers, and of course, their babies. We are grateful for the more than 700 agencies that partner with us because often they are situated in a location that effectively serves our neighbors living with food insecurity. We know that 1 in 8 Delaware residents face food insecurity; 1 in 6 of those are children.

Executive Director Erica Allen founded this agency in 2017, though not in this storefront location. “We started as community outreach, connecting people with services. We hear a lot of things, and we know this has been a necessity for the community,” she said.

In order to meet those needs, this brick-and-mortar site opened its doors. How does doula support connect to food, diapers, household items, and credentialed training for future doulas? A doula is a person trained to provide advice, information, emotional support, and physical comfort to a mother before, during, and just after childbirth.

Food, baby and household supplies as well as personal presence help create a support system. Allen is a doula and a mother to four children; right now, she’s not a practicing doula though due to time constraints. “I can’t leave here, and I have four children of my own,” she explained.

She and Rosi Ramos, Bilingual Program Director, along with volunteers also manage and stock the on-site food pantry. While the pantry is open to neighbors from noon to 5 p.m. each Thursday, it requires attention throughout the week. “We serve at least 50 families a week. There are usually long lines, and we are always getting calls,” said Allen.

Many of the families served here – more than 50 percent — are from the Spanish-speaking community, plus the pantry serves the Haitian-Creole population as well.

Because the pantry itself is small, Allen notes that people who use it are asked to me mindful and intentional about what they select. Hygiene and laundry products are limited to once a month. A diaper bank, menstrual and baby supplies, and new bras and underwear are often available, thanks to donations.

“It’s not a be-all, end-all, but we do face high demand from people who have no capacity to connect. You can look at people and don’t know what is behind their situation. Helping people is super important,” she said.

“It makes me heart smile,” Allen said, adding that the focus is on dignity. “I’ve had food stamps. There should be no shame.”

Ramos echoed those sentiments. “It brings me joy. This is so rewarding. It’s not work, and at the end of the day we’re tired.”