‘I’m very appreciative’: Grant helps Kent seniors

May 12, 2025

Ruth, an 80-year-old Felton-area resident, is grateful for the $20 produce voucher – redeemable at Redner’s – she receives each month from September through February.

“It makes a big difference,” she said, noting that she receives the coupon — as she calls it — when she picks up her monthly food box at the Felton U.M. Church. “We’re on a budget, and we don’t have money for fresh fruit or vegetables. I don’t have space for a garden so we can’t grow them.”

Funded through a grant from The Palmer House Foundation, then distributed through the Food Bank of Delaware, the vouchers improve the quality of life for Kent Country seniors.

The Dover-based philanthropic organization provided a $55,000 grant that is primarily used to fund food boxes designated specifically for Ke residents who meet the program’s criteria, including an annual income of 150 percent below the federal poverty level and Kent County residency. Currently there are more than 100 people enrolled in this program, but there is room for more to participate.

“I’m 80 years old, and I cook every meal right here. We don’t get meals in,” Ruth said. She particularly enjoys fresh broccoli, grapes, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, apples, and bananas. “It makes a difference.”
Another neighbor, Edna, is 82, and her husband is 88. “I’m thankful for the coupons. They certainly are helpful. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to buy vegetables.”

Their limited resources cover pantry staples, like onions and potatoes, but not fresh, green vegetables or seasonal fruit. “There’s a lot of people in my position that feel the same way. This is a bonus. It’s very much appreciated. We live paycheck to paycheck.”

In addition, the Palmer Home Foundation’s grant supports 250 holiday meal boxes – distributed through mobile pantry sites – county-wide, a Senior Health Fair each spring held at the Food Bank’s Milford location and some home deliveries through Door Dash to homebound Kent County seniors.