WILMINGTON, DE — The Diocese of Wilmington, in partnership with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington, has launched a diocesan-wide food pantry program intended to support parish and school-based food pantries and expand food assistance efforts across Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
The program coordinates food collection and distribution through Catholic Charities’ Food Assistance Program, which operates a central food pantry in Wilmington.
According to the Diocese, the initiative is designed to help parishes and Catholic schools keep local pantries stocked while directing food resources to areas of greatest need.
The program will serve communities throughout Delaware and nine counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore: Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester.
Bishop William E. Koenig said the initiative is intended to strengthen outreach to residents experiencing food insecurity.
“Through Catholic Charities and this new Food Pantry Program, we are inviting every parish and school to participate more fully in the Church’s mission of charity,” Koenig said.
Catholic Charities Executive Director Deacon Patrick Stokely said the program is designed to coordinate assistance efforts across the Diocese.
“Through this Food Pantry Program, we are strengthening our ability to walk with families experiencing food insecurity and to respond in a coordinated, sustainable way,” Stokely said.
The initiative also encourages Catholic schools to participate through service activities such as food drives and volunteer work.
Louis P. DeAngelo, secretary for Catholic education and superintendent of schools, said the program provides opportunities for students to participate in service programs connected to school activities.
Program Manager Joanne Varnes said local parishes and schools will play a key role in identifying community needs.
“Parishes and schools are uniquely positioned to see the needs within their neighborhoods,” Varnes said.
The Diocese said parishes and schools will participate through regional deaneries, with distribution coordinated through the Wilmington food pantry.
More information about the program is available at www.ccwilm.org.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington has provided social services to residents in the region for more than 190 years.
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