Our Lady of Guadalupe: A Growing Mission of Service

May 1, 2026

One of our newest pantry partner agencies, Our Lady of Guadalupe, serves as the center of a mission led by the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The mission focuses on supporting neighbors in need within the geographic boundaries of St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church parish.

Located along the route between U.S. 113 and Bethany Beach, this relatively new mission church provides much-needed food assistance to families experiencing food insecurity. Its impact is made possible by a dedicated group of volunteers who generously give their time, skills, and financial support.

Families may visit the pantry once a month during distribution hours from 8:30 to 10 a.m. every Thursday, except for the second Thursday of each month, when distribution takes place from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Annual registration is required to verify residential eligibility, then each household receives a card that also notes the number of family members and is used for pantry check-in.

Vehicles begin lining up in the horseshoe driveway early in the morning. After check-in, each household receives two boxes of shelf-stable food and essential household items, such as paper goods and cleaning supplies. Because the pantry does not yet have refrigeration or freezer capacity, families also receive a $25 Food Lion gift card to purchase meat.

Behind the Scenes
Serving more than 200 families each month requires careful planning, organization, and preparation. Volunteers work behind the scenes to ensure that each distribution is smooth, welcoming, and respectful.

The pantry has been operating for since 2005 and originally served about 30 families per month. That changed dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We were the only pantry open,” said Carol Curran, Society president. “Now we serve 225 to 250 families each month, and I’ve noticed an increase in elderly people.”

Fresh Produce, a Farmers Market, and Small Joys
Set on a peaceful rural property near Frankford, Our Lady of Guadalupe is surrounded by fields and trees. On the east side of the church, adjacent to the parking lot, a half-acre garden has been carefully designed so nearly every inch is productive.

This garden supplies fresh produce for the pantry’s farmers market-style distribution. Families not only receive pantry staples but can also select fresh vegetables and herbs.

“We also grow flowers,” said volunteer Joel Giuffre.

Those flowers add a special touch. Each visitor receives a small bouquet, wrapped simply but thoughtfully.

“People really appreciate it,” Giuffre said. “We know that some have never received flowers in their whole life.”

The garden, which includes raised beds built from donated materials, is already producing early crops like curly kale, onions, scallions, and garlic. As the season progresses, the harvest expands to meet the needs and preferences of the community.

Curran noted that neighbors were surveyed about their food preferences so the garden could better reflect their tastes. “It’s the personal touch,” she said.

In the summer, volunteers, led by Tom Hill through the Society of St. Andrew, also glean produce from farms in Delaware and nearby Maryland, collecting surplus fruits and vegetables for distribution.

Sustaining the Mission
Maintaining a thriving garden requires year-round effort. Volunteers handle everything from composting and soil preparation to planting, watering, weeding, harvesting, washing, and packaging.

This commitment is rooted in a shared mission to serve others with dignity and care.

Leaders also credit a recent partnership with the Food Bank of Delaware, which has significantly reduced costs—saving the Society of St. Vincent de Paul $7,000 per month and with the savings on protein amounts to $50,000 in six months, according to Hill. Prior to this partnership, the pantry relied heavily on support from volunteers, parishioners, and organizations.

Looking Ahead: A Celebration for Families
The spirit of community extends beyond food distribution. Families who visit this pantry have been invited to a Fiesta on Sunday, June 14, at Our Lady of Guadalupe to celebrate the end of the school year.

This free event will include picnic favorites like hot dogs and hamburgers, along with side dishes, beverages, children’s activities, music, and a bouncy house.

Hosted by the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the event promises what this mission delivers every day: a warm, genuine welcome.

Save the Date: The “Helping Hands” Gala Charity Dinner Dance to support the Food Bank of Delaware and St. Ann’s St. Vincent de Paul Society, Knights of Columbus and Men’s Club is planned for Saturday, Dec. 5. Details to follow.