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Government Shutdown

Government Shutdown

The Food Bank of Delaware is here to help federal workers and SNAP recipients impacted
by the government shutdown.

On October 29, Governor Matt Meyer declared a State of Emergency in response to the ongoing government shutdown. With federal SNAP benefits halted starting November 1, the Governor has directed DHSS to launch the First State Food Relief Funds program to help families through Thanksgiving. About one in nine Delawareans – around 119,000 people – rely on SNAP benefits each month.

To fill the gap during the federal shutdown, DHSS will provide state-funded, temporary food benefits starting Friday, Nov. 7. Those who normally receive SNAP will begin seeing weekly deposits of 25% of their usual monthly benefit added to their EBT cards, currently limited to the month of November and only as the federal government shutdown continues.

Stay up to date by visiting: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dss/snapalert/

To address these needs, starting Monday, November 3, we will no longer require appointments at our Healthy Pantry Center in Newark and are increasing the number of times families may visit from one to two times per month (November only at this time). We are also extending hours for both the Newark and Milford pantries for the month of November. We will reevaluate hours week to week.

Monday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

- Special Evening Hours:
  - Tuesday (Milford only): 9:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  - Thursday (Newark only): 9:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (Neighbors will be able to shop on Fridays, instead of receiving prepacked boxes)
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (every Saturday except November 1 in Newark and November 29 in both locations)