Food Bank deliveries make a big difference in one neighbor’s life

April 19, 2021

Wilmington resident Winifred G.  says she really appreciates the Food Bank of Delaware’s delivery service. Thanks to a collaboration between the Food Bank and Amazon, this neighbor – as well as other Healthy Pantry Center recipients — receives a weekly box of food delivered directly to her door. These neighbors no longer have to worry about how the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of reliable transportation impact their family’s access to food.

“I’m really grateful,” said this 58-year-old Certified Nurse Assistant. Until recently, she was working in Philadelphia, but she contracted COVID-19 twice: once in September and again in November. She says she still does not feel well, and she’s unable to work. “I don’t want to get it (COVID-19) again,” she said.

Not only has Winifred not fully recovered, but also she lives alone, has no transportation, no support system. She resides in a third-floor apartment where the steps present a physical challenge. In addition, there’s no grocery store within walking distance of her home.

The Food Bank’s Executive Coordinator Iskeisha Stuckey got the Amazon program rolling after receiving an email with Amazon’s offer to deliver food to people unable to pick it up themselves. Stuckey reached out to state case workers who in turn provided the client connections.  “We know there are people out there who need help. It’s been growing really fast,” she said.

“I really appreciate it,” Winifred said again, noting she enjoys cooking and preparing “American food, like meatloaf, spaghetti and chicken Parmesan. I just appreciate it.”

Stuckey emails clients every week to confirm a delivery is needed or expected. “Most people have been very positive about it,” she added.

To learn more about home deliveries through Amazon, please email foodbank@fbd.org.