Food Bank of Delaware celebrates grand reopening of Newark Healthy Pantry Center

February 3, 2025

The Food Bank of Delaware celebrated the grand reopening of its Healthy Pantry Center this morning, marking a return to an in-person shopping experience after operating as a drive-up model since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thanks to funding provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the pantry has been remodeled to create a welcoming and dignified experience for those in need, transforming into a model that mirrors a small grocery store.

A generous donation made by Acme enabled the Food Bank to stock the shelves with a variety of both shelf-stable and perishable items.

The newly redesigned Healthy Pantry Center offers neighbors in need the opportunity to browse and select food items that best suit their household’s needs, rather than receiving a cart of food selected by the Food Bank. This neighbor-choice model empowers families to make selections best suited for their households and enhances the overall experience for those seeking food assistance.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support provided through ARPA and Acme, which has allowed us to revamp our pantry into a space that promotes dignity and choice,” said Cathy Kanefsky, President and CEO of the Food Bank of Delaware. “By restoring the in-person shopping experience, we can better serve our community in a way that respects individual preferences and dietary needs.”

Several community dignitaries were on hand for the ribbon cutting including New Castle County Executive Marcus Henry and New Castle County Council President Monique Johns.

The pantry’s operation is not possible without volunteers who build relationships with neighbors to ensure that they are connected to other community resources as well. Jill Fredel, a Food Bank of Delaware volunteer for more than 25 years, was on hand to help cut the ribbon and share her experience interacting with pantry visitors.

“My fellow volunteers and I have consistently heard from pantry clients that they would love to have a shopping experience,” Fredel said. “Now, the Delawareans we support will get the opportunity to choose the foods that meet their family’s needs. As a volunteer, I can’t wait to share in this experience with them.”

To ensure a positive experience for neighbors visiting the remodeled pantry, the Food Bank will accept visitors on an appointment basis. Appointments may be made by visiting www.fbd.org/healthy-pantry-center or calling (302) 292-1305 ext 202.