Many Hands, One Mission: Pantry Nourishes Long Neck Neighbors

September 12, 2025

Supporting neighbors in need isn’t something one organization can do alone. It takes partnerships—people and groups who share a common mission—to meet the needs of families facing food insecurity.

In Long Neck, the collaboration between American Legion Post 28 and Grace of God Lutheran Church, with support from the Food Bank of Delaware, Lutheran Community Services and local supermarkets, shows what’s possible when a community comes together.

More Than Just Food
American Legion Post 28, a familiar landmark along busy Del. 24, now sits in a bustling community where many retirees are working hard to stretch limited incomes. While grocery stores are close by, affordability is the challenge—and that’s where Grace of God Lutheran Church’s pantry steps in.

The church meets in the CHEER Center in Long Neck, but the site can’t physically accommodate the long-standing pantry, one of the Food Bank of Delaware’s more than 600 partnerships.

This pantry offers more than a bag of groceries. Each month, while volunteers prepare, neighbors gather around tables at the Legion Hall to share conversation and connection. By the time the pantry officially opens at 2 p.m., friendships have been rekindled and nourished.

“We have no trouble getting volunteers,” says Iris Fisher, who helps coordinate the pantry along with Emilie Crosser. “Even summer visiting relatives often pitch in.”

How It Works
The pantry serves 40–50 families every month. Instead of walk-ins, it follows a grocery club model, so the same neighbors return regularly. Each family signs in, receives a number, and walks through the pantry with a volunteer, selecting items that best meet their household’s needs. Families who can’t attend are welcome to send a proxy to shop on their behalf.

Local grocery partners help keep the shelves stocked. Giant donates bread and baked goods, Harris Teeter provides fresh produce, and additional items are ordered from the Food Bank of Delaware. Seasonal extras make visits even more special—like backpacks and school supplies in August or holiday-themed foods at Christmas and Easter.

Beyond the Pantry
The support doesn’t stop with food. A freebie table offers donated household goods, décor, and clothing. At the end of the day, any leftover items are delivered to Christian Storehouse, another community partner along US 113.

This network of support proves the old adage true: many hands do make light work. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, the generosity of local businesses, and the steady presence of community partners, the pantry has become more than a resource—it’s a gathering place where dignity and compassion are always on the menu.

Want to see how you can help or find a pantry near you? Visit www.fbd.org to learn more about the Food Bank of Delaware’s other partner pantries.