The 3.5-acre Food Bank Garden was founded in 2024 as a community-supported fruit and vegetable production site.  Situated at the entrance to the Food Bank of Delaware’s Milford facility, the garden serves as a commitment to supplying our neighbors in need with fresh and nutritious produce.

The site includes a produce packing barn, three greenhouses, a veterans’ memorial garden, fruit orchard, as well as field growing space for crops. It is maintained by one full-time employee, seasonal farm interns, and dedicated volunteers from the community.

Just across the street from both the Milford Boys & Girls Club and the Delaware Veterans Home, the garden has a unique opportunity to serve as a community hub.  Children can get their hands dirty and explore STEM concepts through custom tours and experiential learning activities.  The veterans’ memorial area of the garden features raised beds of vegetables and flowers and a large shade pavilion for respite.  The packing barn offers a large overhang space for community events, such as the Senior Health Fair, Career Fair, and Spring Plant Sale Fundraiser that were held in 2024.

Vegetables are grown year-round using seasonal varieties that perform well in the region. The garden follows best management practices that prioritize produce quality and yield as well as environmental sustainability. The propagation house enables year-round production of healthy starter plants. In  addition to their use on the farm, extra starter plants were featured in the first annual Spring Plant Sale fundraiser in May 2024.  Surplus starter plants are donated to local gardening projects in the community.

The majority of the produce harvested is distributed through the Food Bank’s Healthy Pantry Center for neighbors seeking food assistance. The produce has also been incorporated into The Culinary School training program, providing students with the opportunity to cook with fresh and unique fruits, vegetables and herbs. Additionally, the farm produce is planned to be available for sale in the on-site Café.

Sign up to volunteer in the garden by clicking here!

Caroline May
Community Garden Manager
(302) 424-3301 ext 167
cmay@fbd.org