Donor spotlight: Thank you, Nina Pletcher

August 22, 2025

At the Food Bank of Delaware, we are continually humbled by the kindness and generosity of our neighbors. Today, we want to shine a spotlight on someone who embodies that spirit so beautifully—our friend, Nina Pletcher (pictured right).

If you know Nina, you already know she doesn’t seek recognition. She quietly gives of her time, her resources, and her heart. But we’ve all seen the impact of her generosity—from the welcoming bench outside Milford’s Healthy Pantry, to her hours of volunteer service, and most recently, through a very special gift to our Culinary School.

This month, Nina established the Pletcher Scholarship Award, a sustaining scholarship that will benefit Culinary School students at our Milford campus. At graduation on Aug. 19, she presented the very first award to student Martia McGinnis—a moment filled with pride, joy, and gratitude.

“When I first learned what it actually costs for a student to attend the Food Bank of Delaware’s Culinary School, I was shocked,” Nina shared with our graduates. “The investment is significant, but the value of what you are receiving here is even greater.”

As someone who built her career in food service and now works in diabetes education, Nina deeply understands the importance of professional training. She admires the dedication of our chefs and staff, and she knows the hospitality industry depends on skilled, passionate workers—like our graduates.

“This scholarship award is one way we can help the Food Bank continue its mission and, at the same time, recognize a student who has excelled in this program,” she told the crowd. “I am proud to share that this award will continue to be offered annually.”

Nina’s generosity doesn’t stop here. She actively volunteers as an auxiliary board member for Delaware Opera, supports the Delaware Diabetes Coalition, serves as Santa House chair for Downtown Milford Inc., and shares her faith as Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist at St. John the Apostle Roman Catholic Church. Her heart for service is everywhere.

When asked why she gives so freely of herself, Nina simply said: “I guess it’s close to my heart. I’m at a time in my life where I’m in a position to do this.”

And we are so grateful that she chooses to share her gifts with us.

Thank you, Nina, for believing in our mission, our students, and our community. Because of you, more Culinary School students will have the chance to pursue their dreams—and our community will continue to be nourished, body and soul.