The federal government has slashed funding for programs that feed Delawareans and has stopped truckloads of nonperishable items from coming to Delaware. These actions left thousands of our neighbors, already at risk of hunger, even more insecure about where their next meals will come from. Food insecurity has worsened significantly, as stockpiles dwindle and the effects of the federal cuts trickle down and through our state.
On Thursday — May Day — Indivisible Southern Delaware responded to this problem by organizing a food drive for the Food Bank of Delaware. We collected donations from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. outside Aldi and Giant in Rehoboth Beach, the only two local stores that allowed us to help our neighbors in need. Every other supermarket refused our requests.
Their refusals were shortsighted. The day of the drive, Aldi and Giant saw a surge in sales, as countless shoppers bought food specifically for the food bank. Many others gave cash, enabling our volunteers to purchase even more essential items. At least one person donated an entire cart of food and supplies for the needy. Thanks to this outpouring of generosity, we delivered over 2,800 pounds of donations to the Food Bank of Delaware.
We are committed to continuing these sorts of food drives throughout Sussex County as long as the need remains. If all local grocery stores allow us to collect for the food bank in front of their sites, we could collect far more than the 1.5 tons we donated already. We urge every supermarket in our community to stand with us and allow Indivisible to staff collections outside their doors, so that we can fight hunger in our state. Let’s show Delaware and the nation the generosity and consideration of Sussex County residents and businesses.
Cheryl Siskin
Co-founder, Indivisible Southern Delaware
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
