Partner Spotlight: Nourishing Minds and Bodies at the Community Education Building

July 14, 2025

At the Food Bank of Delaware, we know that ending hunger is about more than just providing meals, it’s about treating people with dignity, building strong partnerships and creating spaces that foster connection and resilience. That’s exactly what’s happening at the Community Education Building (CEB) in Wilmington, where the traditional food pantry model has been transformed into a vibrant, community-centered food market.

Led by the passionate and inspiring Angel Nieves, the food market serves families with students who attend school in the building.  The goal is to ensure that every family has access to fresh, nutritious food so that students can focus on learning—not hunger.

“We moved away from the word ‘pantry’ because there’s a stigma attached to it,” Angel explained. “This is about humanity. I want families to walk in here and walk out with meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”

The food market isn’t just a place to pick up groceries, it’s a safe, welcoming space where families can have real conversations about their needs. It’s not uncommon for a simple request for a light bulb to open the door to deeper support. The market is part of a broader wraparound services model at CEB’s Family Resource Center, where food is often the first step toward helping families navigate challenges like housing insecurity, utility shutoffs and more.

With rising costs, families are feeling the pressure. While some may not openly voice their fears, the impact is clear. “Food insecurity is a major thing in our community… That’s why we’re here,” Angel said.

Every month, the market serves roughly 160 families.  Through thoughtful inventory management and weekly ordering from the Food Bank of Delaware, the team ensures that shelves are stocked with a balance of nutritious staples.

The market is powered by collaboration. Food comes from the Food Bank of Delaware thanks to generous support from the Harry K Foundation, as well as local partners like Highland Orchards, which provides fresh fruits, vegetables, and eggs, and ShopRite, which donates baked goods and bread. A newer partnership funded by Wawa allows the market to distribute 50 boxes of fresh produce every two weeks—a game-changer for families who might not otherwise afford fruits and vegetables.

It’s not just about giving food, said Angel. It’s also about introducing families to new, healthier options they may not usually buy. The market even shares recipes and cooking tips to help them make the most of the items received.

The market also hopes to expand its capacity with another freezer to keep up with growing demand for perishable items. And while the focus is on food, the team knows families need more.

“We want to make sure families have everything they need,” Angel points out.

Upon meeting Angel, it’s evident that he is passionate about serving his community. What drives the heart behind this work? A deep, personal connection. Angel shared his person story of growing up in a family of 10, losing a parent and learning to cook to help raise siblings. That lived experience shaped a powerful sense of mission.

“I know what it’s like to be hungry,” he said. “I want people to know that we can go through things, but not be hungry, because that’s the strength we need to be able to tackle our everyday life and whatever it is we’ve got going on.”

At the Food Bank of Delaware, we’re proud to partner with places like the Community Education Building. Their market is a model of what’s possible when people come together to care for one another. Through adversity, uncertainty, and change, the CEB food market continues to be a place of dignity, nourishment, and hope.

“Even through hard times, I’m excited about what we are here to do,” explained Angel. Because as long as we stick together as a community, nothing can break us.”

We couldn’t agree more.

To learn more about the Community Education Building, click here.