By Elle Wood

MILFORD — Anyone involved with the Food Bank of Delaware will more than likely know the name Frank Coverdale.

Known as “Fresh” to most, he has served the agency for about 20 years as a mobile pantry driver, helping as many residents in Delaware as he can.

His journey with the Food Bank began with part-time driving work, delivering to Boys & Girls Club sites, while he was on summer break from school. He said he loved it so much he decided to stay, and the rest is history.

To celebrate his dedication to the organization, Mr. Coverdale was the official ribbon cutter for the Food Bank’s Milford facility in January. The task was not expected, but he said he was honored.

“It blew me away because I didn’t help build the building. I didn’t help pay for the building. So, when they said, ‘Frank, you’ve been here longer than everybody, (and) we want you to cut the ribbon, I was ... in shock.”

The agency’s staff, as well as Food Bank CEO Cathy Kanefsky, believes the honor was well deserved.

“Fresh is our longest-tenured employee and a true Food Bank ambassador,” said Ms. Kanefsky. “He is truly a familiar face in the communities we serve, and people trust him.

“He is an incredible asset to both the Food Bank of Delaware and the people we serve.”

Mr. Coverdale said he appreciates the individuals who showed gratitude toward him and the work that he does.

“When they opened that new building, I felt like I was at the Grammys,” he added.

He also noted that the new facility has opened doors for many opportunities he has hoped for over the years.

“I hope to see more families and (the hiring of) more people,” said Mr. Coverdale. “We can let people see what we are doing for the communities.”

A Delaware native, the driver grew up in Harrington and attended school in the Lake Forest School District, becoming a state champion track athlete.

As he was growing up, he developed an awareness of the needs of his fellow residents, he said. He wanted to serve every struggling person, which he soon learned was a big task.

“There are so many families that keep coming and coming,” said Mr. Coverdale. “I just show up at places and deliver food to different places. My favorite part is seeing the joy that I bring to the people that are getting the food.”

Many of his clients want to know how the nickname “Fresh” came about, and he explained it was given to him at a young age by his mother.

“My mother and her friends used to say, ‘That boy is going to be fresh as dishwater,’” said Mr. Coverdale. “So, once ... I started getting older, you know, I had to stay fresh.”

Over the years, Fresh has achieved many goals. However, the one that means most to him is his positive impact on the community.

“My biggest accomplishment,” he said, “is creating a good rapport out here in the public.”