Homebound and disabled: Wilmington man relies on Food Bank

July 30, 2021

For neighbors like William A. Loper, the services of the Food Bank of Delaware are a lifeline. This Wilmington resident reached out to thank us for the food he receives each week.

Mr. Loper, 49, is disabled and unable to drive due to a stroke he suffered two years ago. He is now confined to a wheelchair, and he’s also diabetic. Prior to his stroke, he worked two jobs: at a bank and also at the Blue Rocks stadium. After his stroke, he lived in a nursing home for two years before moving into a handicap-accessible modular home.

“I’m on a fixed income, and I had about $30 a month left to buy food,” he said. When he applied for SNAP (formerly food stamp) benefits with the help of the Food Bank, he learned that he was eligible to receive a weekly box of food through our Healthy Pantry Center program. Our Healthy Pantry Centers provide emergency food boxes from both our Newark and Milford sites, and in some areas – like Mr. Loper’s – home delivery is an option for those who qualify.

Thanks to support from Amazon, Mr. Loper’s food is delivered to his door each Friday.

The Food Bank’s Executive Coordinator Iskeisha Stuckey got the Amazon program rolling last fall after receiving an email with Amazon’s offer to deliver food to people unable to pick it up themselves. Iskeisha 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. She also maintains a connection with each household, emailing them once a week to see if their need is ongoing.

Without transportation Mr. Loper benefits immensely from the new partnership between Amazon and the Food Bank of Delaware.

For this neighbor, these services are a lifeline. “It is a big help,” he said. While Mr. Loper is unable to cook, he’s thankful for his home health aide who comes to his house every day and prepares his meals.

“The Food Bank has been a blessing. I pray that people continue to volunteer and support the Food Bank. It’s such a big help to people like me.”