Partner Spotlight: Claymont Community Center’s Marketplace and Garden

February 11, 2025

Providing food for 1 in 8 Delawareans takes more than just the Food Bank of Delaware. It requires a strong network of organizations committed to lending a helping hand. Last year through partnerships across the state, we were able to provide more than 19.5 million meals to our neighbors in need.

One of those partners is the Claymont Community Center. The center’s new Community Market & Garden opened this past fall, and it’s more than just a place to pick up groceries—it’s a lifeline for families in need.

“Dignity is a big focus here,” said Claymont Community Center Executive Director Allison David.

The market offers fresh produce, pantry staples, and other essentials to individuals and families facing economic hardships. Set up like a mini store, visitors are able to select the foods that are best suited for their household. Shelves stay stocked thanks to donations from Food Lion, Wawa, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s ShopRite and a partnership with the Food Bank.

Pantry Coordinator Barbara Boese makes a point to get to know each visitor who comes through the door. “Here we connect with our neighbors so we can build a strong, interconnected community,” said said.

Thirty-five to 40 percent of visitors are seniors, and the high cost of living has strained many budgets. “My seniors lament the cost of things,” said Barbara.

In addition to providing needed food, the pantry also connects visitors with other resources.

One neighbor visited the pantry and explained she was living outdoors. A private donor paid for motel stays while the individual searched for more permanent housing. Thanks to connections made through the pantry, the individual was able to find a room rent to room and now owns a car and works at a bank.

Barbara says the success of the pantry is not possible without volunteers, “This doesn’t work without these dedicated folks [points to the volunteers].”

Just steps away from the market is a community garden, a flourishing space where food is grown for the community. Eagle Scouts and volunteers from St. Paul’s United Methodist Church helped developed the garden, including 26 raised beds. Ten have been reserved for neighbors in need, while the others are available to the community to rent at a low cost.

“We are happy to have a presence in our community,” said David. “We want visitors to feel special and feel good.”

To learn more about the Claymont Community Center, visit www.claymontcenter.org.