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Food Bank of Delaware outlines programs in Milford and warns of funding risks
Summary
The Food Bank of Delaware summarized its Milford-based operations — including backpack programs, senior meal boxes, mobile pantries, home delivery and workforce development — and warned that federal and state funding cuts could increase local need.
Chad Robinson, vice president of external affairs at the Food Bank of Delaware, presented program results and described how the Milford facility supports partner agencies and direct-distribution programs.
Robinson explained core programs: backpack packs for children identified by schools; senior meal boxes served on regular schedules; mobile pantries that partner with trusted local groups; and home delivery for residents who cannot travel. He said the food bank also operates workforce-development training programs (two culinary; one in warehousing and logistics) that include paid work experiences and employer placement support.
"If people can't eat, if we can't, you know, provide food for those children, none of these other things are possible," Robinson said, describing food as a foundational need. He reported that the organization-wide distribution last year exceeded 16.5 million pounds of food and said the Milford facility has increased volunteer engagement and demand.
Robinson warned of funding risks tied to federal programs and emergency food assistance. He said, "the House CR that was passed the other night has a $20,000,000 cut to TFAP," and noted that the food bank receives roughly $8.5 million worth of food through the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TFAP). He asked council to consider collaboration and partnership opportunities but did not make a specific municipal funding request at the workshop.
Council members asked about the food bank’s service area and finances; Robinson said the organization is statewide but the Milford facility primarily serves Sussex County and Dover-area partners and that the food bank is monitoring federal program changes closely. No vote or funding decision occurred at the workshop.
