Senior expresses gratitude for monthly food box

May 21, 2015

By Gwen Guerke, Communications Coordinator

Usually, but not always, when the Food Bank of Delaware hosts a food distribution, those receiving the boxes will express gratitude. Most of the time, it’s a simple thank you.

It’s a rare occasion, though, when someone takes time to call us with grateful details.

Winnie Cooper of Smyrna is one of those rare callers who took the time to express her appreciation.

A retiree and a resident of Commerce Square, Ms. Cooper said she learned about the program through Deborah Freeman, her development manager, who was able to recruit a minimum of 10 residents to participate.

“I’m really pleased, so happy with this program,” she said.

The program is the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), is a monthly food distribution for seniors over the age of 60. Seniors receiving the boxes must be Delaware residents and meet income guidelines.

A community volunteer herself, Ms. Cooper is no stranger to the Food Bank’s mission.

“I used to help with the Share program, so I went to Newark to see the source. Fresh fruit, meat, vegetables, cereal, it’s such a help. I really enjoy the newsletter and the recipes,” she said.

Each box contains a couple of recipes plus some exercise tips, something Ms. Cooper also finds quite helpful.

“It’s just little things to keep us moving, to get seniors going,” she added.

She especially enjoys the variety of wholesome, hearty food.

“It’s nutritious foods, very balanced. I don’t enjoy cooking, but I like the simplicity of the recipes. I try them, and if you save them, you can build a scrapbook,” Ms. Cooper said.

“I don’t have a lot of time, so I just pick one from each (food group) column. I love the way it’s set up, very thoughtful and convenient.”

“It’s so good. The cheese is wonderful because it melts in the microwave.”

So, after receiving her box Ms. Cooper felt as though picking up the phone and making a call was the right thing to do.

“I had to say thank you. It’s just a wonderful service. It’s something good, and I felt I had to tell them (Food Bank of Delaware.) It’s wonderful, and I tell others to send a positive feedback as well.”

Last year, the Food Bank of Delaware distributed 28,518 meal boxes to senior citizens.

To learn more about the CSFP program, visit http://www.fbd.org/program/senior-nutrition/.