Rooted in Service: Agriculture Programs Help Us Fight Hunger

August 4, 2025

While growing our own food is a relatively new focus for us, it’s quickly become a vital part of our work to eliminate hunger in Delaware.

We’re proud to operate two agricultural sites: a 5-acre farm in Newark and a 3.5-acre garden in Milford. Together, these spaces allow us to grow thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables for the neighbors we serve.

Building More Than Soil
“A farm isn’t something you can just pop up overnight,” says Kyle Brolis, our Agricultural Programs Director. “It usually takes five years to build the kind of soil that can sustain healthy vegetable crops.”
Kyle, who joined us during the Farm’s second year, leads a small staff and a dedicated crew of volunteers who make this program possible. “Volunteering on the farm really speaks to people who enjoy working with their hands and being outdoors,” he says.

Thanks to the nearby University of Delaware, the Newark farm regularly benefits from student volunteers fulfilling community service hours.

Growing More, Longer
Both sites are equipped with high tunnels (a type of greenhouse), allowing us to extend the growing season and focus on high-value crops like leafy greens, carrots, radishes, and turnips.

Though still in its early stages, the Milford Garden is already making an impact—producing over 8,000 pounds of food in its first season alone. “That’s a great start,” says Kyle. “And a solid foundation to keep growing.”

The harvest doesn’t just feed our Healthy Pantry Centers. It also fills our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) boxes and supplies our Culinary Training School, where produce becomes part of job-training meals and hands-on instruction.

Deepening Community Roots
Agriculture has become a powerful way to deepen community connections. This year, we shared over 5,000 starter plants with 21 local partner agencies and families through our pantry programs.
“Our volunteers really make the difference,” says Kyle. “We’ve met people with all kinds of experience who just love the opportunity to give back in this way.”

Laurel Pastor, one of our first Milford volunteers, continues as one of the Tuesday crew stalwarts. Her why – not surprisingly – aligns with our organizational mission. “I love gardening and I love being outside. Doing both at the same time and benefitting those in need is a win-win for everyone. The Tuesday Crew is a great group that has now become a family. We are all avid gardeners and working at the Food Bank is not only fun, but has also taught us things to help us better maintain and grow our own produce,” she says.

Like Laurel, Jim Ambrose brings enthusiasm, expertise, and curiosity to volunteering at our Newark Farm. A self-described lifetime gardener, he describes his volunteer shifts as “rewarding” in that they support his concern for food insecurity. “It’s neat to be involved with a production level. I learned about things I didn’t know as a hobby gardener,” he said.

We’re also grateful for strong agricultural allies like Dave Marvel of Marvel Farms in Harrington. A former Food Bank board member, Dave regularly visits the Milford Garden and lends his expertise. Just last month, he stopped by with Zippy Duvall, National President of the American Farm Bureau.

Dave sees the garden’s promise clearly. “It started as a compacted parking lot,” he pointed out. It takes time to break up clay, bring in good dirt, and plant cover crops. But in a few years, this garden will produce a consistent food supply—and create even more opportunities for volunteers to get involved.” You can’t grow food in that. But with time, compost, cover crops, and care, it’s coming to life. Kyle’s laying the groundwork for long-term success.” “It started as a compacted job site parking lot,” he explains.

To learn more about the Food Bank’s agricultural programs, click here.