DOVER – Kent County Levy Court President Terry L. Pepper presented a $1 million check to the Food Bank of Delaware on Thursday to assist with the Building Hope in Milford Capital Campaign.

Funding was provided through the American Rescue Plan Act’s State and Local Financial Recovery Fund designed to assist communities with recovery from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Kent County is pleased to be a part of this project. The Food Bank of Delaware is doing great things to address food insecurity, as well as providing an economic development component to help our county meet the needs of our citizens,” Mr. Pepper said in a press release.

The project enables the Food Bank of Delaware to expand cold storage and warehouse space for fresh foods and non-perishable food; allows space for a healthy food pantry center to serve those in need; build a welcoming working environment to train volunteers, as well as a hands-on training space for culinary programs and warehousing/logistics.

The Kent County Levy Court donation will also allow the Food Bank to plant a three-acre garden to grow fresh foods and provide a tranquil spot for residents of the neighboring Delaware Veterans Home; open an on-site café to provide employment and additional training opportunities to graduates of the culinary training program, while providing a place for members of the public to buy breakfast and lunch.

Levy Court President Pepper also commended Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO Cathy Kanefsky and the Food Bank of Delaware on their perseverance and will to succeed through the pandemic and wished them well on their efforts to address food disparities throughout Kent County.

“We are grateful for Kent County’s generous support of this transformative project,” Ms. Kanefsky said in a statement. “With just 3.5 million left to go in our $34 million campaign, we are so close to crossing the fundraising finish line.

“We hope this gift will inspire more in our community to get involved. This facility is more than bricks and mortar, it will be a beacon of hope for so many in our community.”