Food Bank of Delaware building 67,000-square-foot facility in Milford

The Food Bank of Delaware's new 67,000-square-foot Milford facility is more than four times larger than its current building.

The new warehouse will serve Kent and Sussex counties where food distribution has increased 79% in the past five years.

The property will include job training classrooms, a café open to the public where food service students can work and a 3.5-acre garden.

Over the past five years, food distribution in Kent and Sussex counties from the Food Bank of Delaware’s Milford branch increased 79%, so where do you store all that food?

Some is delivered to the nonprofit’s other facility in Glasgow, which cuts the space available for items being distributed in New Castle County.

With more items to sort and pack, more volunteers are needed along with space to accommodate them.

Meanwhile, the Food Bank is trying to help people learn job skills, with training to work in restaurants, cafeterias and warehouses.

With all the needs, the nonprofit had to rent an additional building.

But now with donations, grants and government support, the Food Bank is expanding operations in Milford in a big way.

A 67,000-square-foot facility under construction on Delaware Veterans Boulevard west of Route 113 is more than four times larger than the current 16,000-square-foot facility on Mattlind Way. Groundbreaking was held Sept. 29, and completion is set for this fall.

“This is more than just a building – it symbolizes hope for so many,” said Food Bank of Delaware president and chief executive officer Cathy Kanefsky.

About $5 million is needed to complete the $34 million project. For information on donating, see the Food Bank's website or call 302-294-0185.

Need for food at an all-time high in Delaware

Although many pandemic-era assistance programs have ended, the number of people having difficulty affording food keeps increasing.

In fiscal year 2019, the Food Bank distributed more than 8.6 million pounds of food from its Newark and Milford locations. In fiscal year 2022, that number jumped to about 16.5 million pounds.

The new building will provide space to store and distribute an estimated 9.7 million additional pounds. That includes 3.7 million more pounds of fresh foods with the new refrigerated space.

While donations from community food drives remain strong, items provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture have decreased with an end to extra assistance during the pandemic. So the Food Bank has to buy more.

“We purchased more food in the past year than at any point in the history of our organization,” said Chad Robinson, the Food Bank’s director of external affairs. “The need is significantly higher than before the pandemic.”

The demand is fueled by: the population increase, the end of extra SNAP assistance (formerly food stamps) that had been given during the pandemic, and inflation that’s the highest in decades, said Food Bank communications director Kim Turner.

More:Inflation is crushing Delawareans: Here's how are your neighbors cope

The nonprofit distributes some items at its centers in Glasgow and Milford, but mostly through a network of partners including state service centers, community food pantries, churches and other organizations.

The Food Bank also still holds monthly drive-thru distributions in each county that served thousands during the pandemic, but those large-scale events are scheduled to end in June.

More:4,000 families served at drive-thru food pantries after food assistance drops

In addition to food storage, plans include garden, café, job training

The warehouse will have nine loading bays and storage space two stories tall for fresh and nonperishable foods, with refrigerator and freezer cases, but the new facility will meet a variety of other needs.

“We do more than provide food,” said Kanefsky. “We provide hope for a better tomorrow. This building will allow us to … help our neighbors find long-term economic stability through job skills training, financial coaching and more.”

The property will include:

A classroom and hands-on training space for job skills programs in culinary arts and warehouse logistics. The Food Bank has added a culinary skills program for adults with disabilities in addition to the existing food service industry training program. In the warehouse program, students receive training in how a warehouse operates, working machinery and driving a forklift.

A café, open to the public for breakfast and lunch, to provide employment and training opportunities to graduates of the culinary arts program.

A pantry area where people in need can pick out food similar to a grocery store. For those who prefer contactless delivery, the pantry will have a drive-up loading bay.

A 4,000-square-foot room where volunteers can sort and pack food, with an area for volunteer orientation sessions. Last year, the Milford facility had 3,443 volunteer visits and a total of 9,358 hours donated

Offices on the second floor for the staff.

A 3.5-acre garden with greenhouses and an orchard along with a packing barn. The nonprofit is planning partnerships with nearby facilities, the Delaware Veterans Home and the Boys & Girls Club, with volunteer opportunities in the garden, education for students and a place for veterans to enjoy a tranquil spot outdoors.

What's going to happen to the current Milford Food Bank facility? It's already been sold, and the nonprofit is renting it until the new building is finished.

Reporter Ben Mace covers real estate and development news. Reach him at rmace@gannett.com.

Food Bank of Delaware sets up emergency pantries starting ...

We are providing this content free as a public service to readers during the coronavirus outbreak. Please support the work we're doing by subscribing to Delaware Online.

The coronavirus pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty.

Some are wondering what new cancellations each day will bring. Some are wondering whether they will be quarantined. Others are wondering where their next meal will come from.

To help alleviate food concerns, Food Bank of Delaware is hosting three drive-thru emergency food pantries, beginning Wednesday morning in Wilmington. That will be held in the Chase Center parking lot on Wilmington's riverfront at 11 a.m.

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Participants are asked to stay in their vehicles and have their trunk cleared out, organizers said. They also must bring a picture ID — any official state or county-issued ID will work — and proof of Delaware residency, such as a piece of mail with their name on it.

"We will provide food assistance to anyone who can provide those two items," organizers wrote on Facebook. Proof of U.S. citizenship is not required.

The emergency pantry is intended for anyone who needs assistance. Anyone who "is not making (their) typical paycheck is allowed; attendees don't have to be designated low-income."

Food bank officials are asking that people don't walk up to the pantry. For those who do not have a car, organizers are referring them to Delaware 211. They can call 211, 1-800-560-3372, text 898-211 or visit delaware211.org.

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Two additional emergency food pantries will also be set up in Kent and Sussex counties.

The Sussex County emergency food pantry will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at Crossroads Community Church on State Forest Road in Georgetown, while the Kent one will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Legislative Hall in Dover.

The same requirements apply.

Food Bank of Delaware also said its pantries in Newark and Milford remain open, but the organization has instituted drive-up practices.

For more information, visit the food bank's Facebook page, which can be found at: facebook.com/FoodBankofDE.

Videographer Damian Giletto contributed to this story. Send story tips or ideas to Isabel Hughes at ihughes@delawareonline.com or 302-324-2785. For all things breaking news, follow her on Twitter at @izzihughes_

The Food Bank of Delaware's home delivery program serving those ...

The sharp rise in home deliveries during the pandemic has extended to food packages for those in need.

The Food Bank of Delaware has partnered with DoorDash and Amazon in a pilot program for free home delivery of food boxes of food.

With people using online services to order daily essentials or medical supplies, the increased need for food delivery during the pandemic was no different. Delivery became a lifeline for many.

“It was a convenience before, and then it became a necessity,” said Cathy Kanefsky, president and CEO of the Food Bank of Delaware.

The Food Bank of Delaware typically distributes 8-10 million pounds of food per year.

Amidst the pandemic, they distributed 15,536,854 pounds during the last fiscal year alone, with New Castle County fulfilling most of that need, followed by Kent County and Sussex County.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, over 38 million people in the United States don't have access to enough food. This is a drastic increase from the 13.8 million, or 10.5%, of U.S. households that were food insecure in 2020 and 2019.

In Delaware, 114,190 individuals may have needed help with food in 2021.

“Obviously, we know that people in Delaware need us. There are too many people that are food insecure,” Kanefsky said. “That demand means we have to get more food out, and how are we going to do that?”

The answer to that is utilizing delivery services to reach more people, she said.

The delivery program currently operates out of two of the food bank’s locations in Glasgow and Wilmington and offers food delivery through DoorDash to Delaware residents living within a 15-mile radius of these facilities.

For those living outside of the radius, the Amazon home delivery program can be used.

Using the home delivery program website, an order for up to two food packages can be placed for delivery or pickup each week.

Orders can be placed “ASAP” or scheduled for a later time at checkout. Immediate orders usually take about an hour to be delivered.

While the program is still taking off, ordering windows will vary based on location, and delivery windows will be limited.

The AmazonFlex delivery portion of the program began in July of 2020 and has made over 12,000 deliveries totaling 169,000 meals.

“One of the things we wanna highlight with this is you’re giving people so much more flexibility and dignity,” said Bettina Stix, Amazon director of Right Now Needs and Disaster Relief. “It’s an enormous convenience game for recipients.”

Through DoorDash, 784 deliveries have been made since the company's partnership with the food bank began in July of 2021.

In September, DoorDash’s Project DASH celebrated its 1,000,000 delivery to those in need through this partnership. The New Castle recipient was a single mother of two twins with autism, and the package was presented by Delaware's first lady, Tracey Quillen Carney.

“There’s two huge stigma issues: Some people might not be comfortable saying ‘I need help’ or they don’t have a way to get there,” said Brittany Graunke, director of DoorDash Drive's Government and Non-profit team. “We really recognized that food banks had to innovate during the pandemic.”

Through a survey they conducted with the food bank in which they assessed whether community members were comfortable with online deliveries and able to do so, they found that many were eager to try the program and excited about how easy the process was, she said, adding that their overall goal is to serve more individuals across the state.

Both services pick up the food packages the same way they would other delivery orders and the packages come with an order receipt that is nondescript and similar to that of restaurant takeout or grocery deliveries.

Although the DoorDash delivery operates only in New Castle County, the Food Bank of Delaware’s Milford location will join the efforts later this month.

Milford location details:After record year of need, Food Bank of Delaware plans expansion in Milford

A new food bank location in Milford, across from the organization's current pantry facility, will start construction in May and is expected to open at the end of summer in 2023.

Plans to create more food bank delivery hubs across the rest of the state are also in the works.

“There’s not a pocket of Delaware that’s not touched. You can’t find a 15-mile radius where someone is not food insecure. Our goal is to reach all of Delaware,” Kanefsky said.

Food Bank of Delaware gives out 17 million pounds of food in first ...

In March 2020, more than a thousand cars flooded to the Chase Center in Wilmington as people tried to get a box of free food for their families. Many of them had lost their jobs as businesses were forced to shutter.

The cars backed up onto I-95 for the Food Bank of Delaware's first emergency food drive during the pandemic.

One year later, the Food Bank of Delaware has distributed nearly 18 million pounds of food to families across the state — a record number. It supplied nearly 6 million more pounds to families compared with the same time period last year.

"I have been here at the food bank since 2008. I was here right when the great recession hit, and what we have experienced over the past year cannot even compare to that," Kim Turner, a spokesperson for the Food Bank, said.

From March 16, 2020, to March 16 of this year, the Food Bank of Delaware distributed 17.9 million pounds of food, serving 42,847 households at 33 mass drive-thru events and 34,706 visits to its pantry centers in Newark and Milford.

During the previous time period last year, the bank gave out 12 million pounds of food.

Before the pandemic, Turner said there were about 121,000 food-insecure Delawareans. Now, she expects there are more than 164,000.

"People who were already struggling prior to the pandemic, I think the pandemic made those struggles even worse for those people," she said. "There were so many people who essentially went from having a job to not having a job overnight."

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The Food Bank was flooded with donations soon after the pandemic began, but they have leveled off since then. Turner said the community "stepped up" with food and monetary donations to help them serve as many families as they have.

"We were overwhelmed with the generosity from the community. People were so generous, whether they sent $5 or $5,000," she said. "People always support basic needs, but when you have a crisis like this, it's so heightened."

The Food Bank's efforts during the pandemic were supported by 16,364 volunteer visits accounting for 47,618 volunteer hours.

Although donations and volunteers from the community were helpful, CARES Act funding is what was critical to the Food Bank's COVID-19 relief efforts.

Turner said they received more than $2 million in support, which they used to purchase needed food and equipment.

Looking at the year ahead, Turner doesn't think they will give out 17.9 million pounds of food again, but she expects it will be close.

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The Food Bank of Delaware is part of the national nonprofit Feeding America, which predicts that the food bank's relief efforts will be needed for another 18 to 24 months, as the economy slowly recovers.

Turner is hopeful the federal government's expanded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and stimulus checks will help ease the economic burden on families, but she knows their services will still be needed.

"Those people aren't going to disappear. Our goal is always to get people to a point of self-sufficiency when they no longer need our services," Turner said. "But we know there are crisis situations, and unfortunately, there are a lot of people who don't make a living wage."

SNAP benefits end, Delaware Food Bank braced for the worst

With federal food assistance rolling back and inflation still on the rise, the Delaware Food Bank has been busier than ever and they anticipate demand to continue to grow.

The federal government announced in January that extra SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps, were set to expire nationwide at the end of February. These emergency allotments have been in place since around the start of the pandemic.

Nearly 124,000 Delawareans have relied on this extra federal stipend for the past three years, which granted recipients the maximum amount of benefits for their household size. People received their last emergency allotment Feb. 28.

A study from the Urban Institute estimated that these emergency allotments kept over 4 million people out of poverty nationwide, including tens of thousands in Delaware.

Background:Food banks bracing as pandemic SNAP benefits end in Delaware next month

Families reliant on the SNAP program will now receive their "normal" stipend dating back to pre-pandemic days, dependent on the size of their family, income and expenses. Some individuals will now be receiving as little as $23 a month.

How to get help

The Food Bank will be returning to the drive-thru events held during the height of the pandemic. Starting the last week of March, around the same time SNAP families would have received the monthly installment of additional aid.

Drives will be held in each county:

Sussex County: March 27 at 10:00 a.m. at the Crossroad Community Church

Kent County: March 29 at 10:00 a.m. at the Dover Motor Speedway

New Castle County: March 31 at 10:00 a.m. at DelTech Stanton

Over 100 volunteers will be working these events, with the help of Delaware's Department of Transportation to ensure people are getting help as quickly as possible. The Food Bank estimates that over 1,000 households will be served at each of these distributions.

The events are first-come-first-serve, but individuals can still pre-register. Proof of Delaware residence is required.

If you can't make the food drives, there are other options available. Delawareans can reach out to the state's 2-1-1 line for essential resources, and go to the DHSS website to check their benefit registration.

The Food Bank also distributes to food closets throughout the state, for more details on where to get help the Food Bank has details on their website.

2022 food distribution by the numbers

Mobile pantries in the state were visited over 74,000 times

Over 6 million pounds of food were distributed

Newark and Milford centers were visited over 34,000 times combined

175,000 meal kits were distributed to children in need

Pressures on Delaware Food Bank

The Delaware Food Bank saw major drops in food donations during the pandemic that have lingered to this day, mostly due to supply-chain issues and inflationary restrictions on donors. Last year, donations were down by more than 2.5 million pounds of food.

"We're seeing more people now than we did at the height of the pandemic," said Kim Turner, communications director for the Delaware Food Bank. "In January and February 2023 we were seeing an average of 1,050 people per week. That's a 74% increase compared to last year."

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Before the pandemic began, the Food Bank purchased just under $490,000 worth of food. At the end of last year, that number rose to $4.7 million.

Turner said the Food Bank is hoping its distribution events at the end of the month will provide community members with the help that they need to ease the transition back to "normal" SNAP benefits amidst historic inflation.

The state will be providing $3.2 million in aid to ease the transition.

How to help

According to Turner, every dollar donated to the Food Bank provides three meals to people in need. Volunteer and donation information is available on the Delaware Food Bank's website.

Food donations can be dropped off at either the Newark or Milford facilities.

Like knowing what stores, restaurants and developments are coming and going in Delaware? Join our Facebook group What's Going There in Delaware and subscribe to our What's Going There in Delaware newsletter.

Contact Molly McVety at mmcvety@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @mollymcvety.

These organizations are seeking holiday help

Annual Warming Tree The members of the Ladies Auxiliary of Greenwood Memorial VFW Post 7478 are conducting their annual project to provide elementary school children with warm outer wear. Their wish list includes: new socks for girls and boys, gloves and/or mittens, scarves, hats and caps, new sweatshirts, and new or good, gently used coats that have been cleaned and repaired if needed. Drop off items at 102 Maryland Ave. in Greenwood no later than Nov. 15. (302) 349-4220.

Christmas for the Veterans Christmas Troubadour Ministry is holding a fundraising drive to provide Walmart gift cards to the residents of the Delaware Center for Homeless Veterans. Donations are requested in $25 increments and should be made before Dec. 12. Mail checks to Troubadour Ministry, P. O. Box 13201, Wilmington DE 19850 – write “Veterans” on the memo line – or donate online at troubadourministry.org. Go to the Donate tab, type “veteran’s Christmas” in the Payment Notes box. You can use your Pay Pal account or a credit card. Follow the instructions on the donate page. (302) 322-1177, suestude@hotmail.com.

Claymont Food Closet Donations of food for the holidays and volunteers to help assemble and deliver food baskets are needed. Drop off donations at 3301 Green St. in Claymont. The address is behind and a part of the Claymont Community Center. Claymont Community Center, 3301 Green St., Claymont. (302) 764-7997.

DART Stuff The Bus Thanksgiving Food Drive DART First State food drive benefits the Food Bank of Delaware. Collection sites for non-perishable food items are: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 10, Walmart, 939 N. DuPont Highway, Milford, and Acme, North Dover Center, Dover; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 12, Acme, Fairfax Shopping Center, Route 202, Wilmington; 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 13, and 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 14, Rodney Square, Market Street side, Wilmington. At each collection site, DART First State will be available to help stuff the bus and will provide public transit and Food Bank information to visitors. Items needed include cornflakes, toasted oat rings, powdered milk, parmalat long life milk, evaporated milk, Swiss Whey D’lite, applesauce, pancake mix, orange juice, apple juice, beef stew, spaghetti sauce/meat, spaghetti wheels, chicken noodle soup, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, pancake syrup, chicken and dumplings, canned tuna, pork and beans, mixed vegetables, sweet potatoes, instant mashed potatoes, whole white potatoes, sliced white potatoes, whole kernel corn, cut green beans, garbanzo beans, navy beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, jams, jellies, preserves, all other soup/stews, all other canned meats, all other canned vegetables, all other canned fruit, cooking/vegetable oils, laundry detergents, paper products, diapers, personal care and pet food. DartFirstState.com, (800) 652-3278.

Food Bank of DelawareThanksgiving Food/Funds Drive The hunger-relief organization asks for the community’s help collecting food items and monetary donations in order to create 4,000 Thanksgiving meal boxes for families in need. Most-needed non-perishable food items include juice, coffee/tea, cereal/oatmeal, canned hams, cornbread/bread/muffin mix, gravy packets/canned gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes/yams, vegetables, and fruits, apple sauce, cranberry sauce, pumpkin, shelf-stable milk and boxed pudding. Frozen turkeys can be dropped off to the Newark or Milford facailies: 14 Garfield Way, Newark, (302) 292-1305; 1040 Mattlind Way, Milford, (302) 424-3301. Donations for Thanksgiving must be received by Nov. 7. Food received after that date will be distributed to the food bank’s network of Hunger-Relief Program Partners.Households in need of holiday food assistance should call the Delaware Helpline by dialing 2-1-1 or (800) 464-4357. Nov. 7.

Holiday Food Bank Collection at Community Powered FCU All Community Powered credit union locations will accept contributions of non-perishable food items during regular business hours through Nov. 3. Need items include hog and cold cereals, 8-ounce shelf-stable milk, peanut butter, canned vegetables and fruits, past and rice, canned meats and spaghetti sauce. Locations are 1758 Pulaski Highway, Bear; 01 Eagle Run Road, Newark; 3670 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington; 4 Quigley Blvd., New Castle; and 630 MLK Blvd., Wilmington. (302) 368-2396, cpwrfcu.org.

Holiday Food Drive The Newark Area Welfare Committee is planning to assemble approximately 400 boxes of food for needy families and senior citizens in the greater Newark area this December. The group also hopes to assemble 150 To-Go bags for the Empowerment Center in Newark. Items needed by Dec. 18 include frozen turkeys and canned/non-perishable food such as breakfast foods, desserts, peanut butter and jelly, fruit, pasta, tuna, and soup. Call Beverly Stoudt at (302) 368-9354 to arrange pick up of donated food and turkeys. Volunteers also are need to help pick up and sort donated food Dec. 18, to help pack food boxes on Dec. 19 and to help with food box distribution Dec. 20. Volunteers should report to First Presbyterian Church, 292 W. Main St., Newark. Monetary donations can be sent to: P.O. Box 925, Newark, DE 19715.

Pajama Program Pajama Program-Delaware Chapter collects new pajamas and new books for Delaware children in need. Donations are delivered to many local organizations, including Children and Families First, Child Inc., Catholic Charities and Kind to Kids, as well as various homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters and a local Title 1 school. Visit pajamaprogram.org to fill out a form to learn how to organize a pajama drive or to donate. Visit the the group’s wish list at Amazaon.com. Email questions to Stacey Paranczak at stacey@pajamaprogram.org.

Turkey Dinner Drive Peace Zones Inc. is collecting non-perishable food times for its Thanksgiving Turkey drive. Needed items include cranberry sauce, canned vegetables, canned fruits, cake mixes, canned gravy, stuffing mix and similar items. The deadline to drop off non-perishable food items at 249 E. Main St., Suite-7 in Newark is Nov. 14. Also, help is needed to pick up frozen turkeys (302) 737-0900 ext. 10.

The News Journal plans to run this list every Sunday during October, November and December, as space is available. To have your organization’s drive or event included, please send an email to events@delawareonline.com and include the name of the organization, exactly what it’s collecting, where the food or clothing will be used, what deadlines are – and whether you need volunteers for help sort, deliver or otherwise serve. For more information, please call please call Deb Lucas at (302) 324-2852.

Food Bank of Delaware to host drive-thru pantry in Georgetown ...

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Editor's note: The location of the Dover drive-thru on Friday has been changed to Dover International Speedway.

The Food Bank of Delaware will host its second emergency drive-thru food pantry at Crossroads Community Church in Georgetown at 11 a.m. Thursday.

Participants are asked to stay in their vehicles and have their trunk cleared out, organizers said. They also must bring a picture ID – any official state or county-issued ID will work – and proof of Delaware residency, such as a piece of mail with their name on it.

"We will provide food assistance to anyone who can provide those two items," organizers wrote on Facebook. Proof of U.S. citizenship is not required.

Crossroads Church is at 20684 State Forest Road in Georgetown.

Lines to get to the mobile pantry stretched onto nearby roads Thursday.

A third emergency drive-thru pantry event will be held at Dover International Speedway at 11 a.m. on Friday. The same guidelines apply, and people should enter through the main entrance of Dover Downs Hotel & Casino.

The first, held at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington, was able to get food to more than 1,200 people. But the line was so long that it backed up onto Interstate-95, and late-comers had to be turned away 15 minutes after the drive-thru started, Delaware Online/The News Journal reported.

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The emergency pantry is intended for anyone who needs assistance. Anyone who "is not making (their) typical paycheck is allowed; attendees don't have to be designated low-income."

Food bank officials are asking that people don't walk up to the pantry. For those who do not have a car, organizers are referring them to Delaware 211. They can call 211, 1-800-560-3372, text 898-211 or visit delaware211.org.

Food Bank of Delaware also said its pantries in Newark and Milford remain open, but the organization has instituted drive-up practices. For more information, go to the Food Bank's Facebook page at facebook.com/FoodBankofDE.

Send story tips or ideas to Isabel Hughes at ihughes@delawareonline.com or 302-324-2785. For all things breaking news, follow her on Twitter at @izzihughes_. Contact reporter Maddy Lauria at (302) 345-0608, mlauria@delawareonline.com or on Twitter @MaddyinMilford.

Delaware holiday charity drives: food, clothing, toys sought

Betsy Price

The News Journal

Delaware-area charities and churches are gearing up their annual holiday drives for clothing, food, toys and other items.

Here’s a list of some of them we already know about.

If you’d like to have your drive included in this list, please email information that can be copied and pasted to beprice@delawareonline.com about the event, including specifically what is sought, when, where it should be delivered, the deadline, who benefits, who is sponsoring the drive, where drop-off points are and a daytime phone number for an organizer.

We plan to print a list every week in the Sunday News Journal, space allowing, and publish it at delawareonline.com through the end of the year.

DART Stuff the Bus! collection starts Monday

DART’s Stuff the Bus! collection of nonperishable food for the Delaware Food Bank starts Monday at 8 a.m., running until 6 p.m., at the Wal-Mart at 939 N. Du Pont Highway in Milford and Acme in the North Dover Center in Dover. Other collection days and sites include Tuesday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Acme in the Fairfax Shopping Center on U.S. 202, Fairfax; Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Rodney Square, Market Street side, Wilmington; Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Rodney Square, Market Street side, Wilmington; and – new this year – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Acme, Suburban Plaza, 100 Suburban Drive, Newark.

Some of the most-needed holiday items include evaporated milk/shelf-stable milk; canned pumpkin; applesauce; juice; corn muffin mix; mashed potatoes; gravy; and canned sweet potatoes, peas and corn.

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Food Bank, One Warm Coat head to Whitehall Saturday

The Food Bank of Delaware and One Warm Coat join the Town of Whitehall’s Fall Festival of Giving on Nov. 12, from noon to 3 p.m. The free event is open to the public and offers an afternoon of family-friendly fun, live music and games. Visitors are encouraged to bring donations of coats and/or nonperishable food items.

Neighborhood House food drive underway

The Neighborhood House food drive for the holiday is underway and will run through Dec 20. Cereal, canned milk, pancake mix/syrup, peanut butter/jelly, tuna fish, mac and cheese in the box, pasta/sauce and assorted canned vegetables are sought. For more information, call Kelly Lacy at (302) 658-5404 between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Donations may be dropped off at 1218 B St., Wilmington.

Sunday Breakfast Mission’s 2016 ‘60 Ton Challenge’ food drive

The Sunday Breakfast Mission’s holiday food drive is being marketed as a “60 Ton Challenge” that will help feed homeless men, women, boys and girls.

Nonperishable beef stew, boxed stuffing, canned ham, canned spam, canned beef, canned chicken, cereal, cranberry sauce, drink mix, fruit, jelly, mac and cheese, pasta, peanut butter, pie filling, potatoes, instant pudding or gelatin, soup, spaghetti sauce, stuffing, tomatoes, tuna, vegetables and yams are needed.

Follow the challenge on @sundaybreakfastmission. Donations are accepted at 110 Poplar St., Wilmington. For more information, call (302) 652-8314.

County urges support for AFSCME Needy Family Fund

New Castle County is asking residents to support AFSCME Local Union 459’s Needy Family Fund by donating food at county libraries and offices for its annual Thanksgiving Dinner Drive. Food packages will be delivered Nov. 22 to 75 needy families. Donations may be dropped off at New Castle County Government Center, 87 Read’s Way near New Castle; Conner Building, 187A Old Churchmans Road near New Castle; Appoquinimink Community Library, 651 N. Broad St., Middletown; Bear Library, Governor’s Square Shopping Center, Del. 7 and U.S. 40; Brandywine Hundred Library, 1300 Foulk Road; Claymont Library, 400 Lenape Way; Hockessin Library, 1023 Valley Road; Kirkwood Library, 6000 Kirkwood Highway, Milltown area; Newark Free Library, 750 Library Ave.; Woodlawn Library, 202 W. Ninth St., Wilmington.

Donations also will be welcomed after Thanksgiving in drop-off containers at the same sites for Local 459’s Holiday Food Drive with deliveries in late December. For more information, call President John Spence at (302) 521-9275, Event Chairperson Steven Klinefelter at (302) 395-5839 or Linda Levy at (302) 395-5804.

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Wilmington Church of God collecting donations for needy families

The Church Of God at 313 N. Broom St. in Wilmington is collecting donations for needy families during the holidays. The church now runs a weekly after-school program, pantry and homeless outreach ministry. For more information, call Pastor David Andino at (610) 848-0849 or (646) 399-8513 or email him at Revandino7@yahoo.com

First State Church of Christ seeks food and clothing donations

The LuDivina Foundation at First State Church of Christ is accepting donations for food and clothing until Dec. 20. The church is at 307 A St., Wilmington. For more information, contact Mike Reyes at (302) 607-9019.

Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth Synagogue is collecting new, used shoes

Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth Synagogue is collecting new and gently used shoes of all types (men’s, women’s, children’s, dress, casual, sports, etc.) to be distributed to those in need in communities throughout the world, including in the U.S.

Shoes can be dropped off at the synagogue at 4412 Washington Blvd., Wilmington. The shoe drive is ongoing and will continue into 2017. For more information or to arrange for pick up of larger quantities, please call the AKSE office at (302) 762-2705.

County police winter coat and canned food drive

The New Castle County Division of Police’s Community Service Unit is hosting its fourth annual Winter Coat and Canned Food Drive on Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is held at the Garfield Park PAL at 26 Karlyn Drive in New Castle. Collection bins will be located in the lobby of NCCPD at 3601 N. Du Pont Highway, New Castle. Contact Cpl. Kristen Hester at (302) 395-8059 with questions.

BTL, Hanover turkey baskets

The BTL Foundation and the Hanover Presbyterian Church in Wilmington will once again offer free turkey baskets to needy families of four or more. The distribution will take place at the Hanover Presbyterian Church at 1801 N. Jefferson St., Wilmington. Food closet norms will be observed. To register for a free turkey basket, call (302) 658-5115 on Nov. 14 starting 9 a.m. Do not leave a voice mail. Donations of frozen turkeys and canned goods are accepted at the church anytime from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tax-deductible contributions and checks can be sent to the BTL Foundation, 114 Mettenet Court, Hockessin, DE 19707.

State hospital, health center seek ‘adoption,’ gifts for residents

The Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill in Smyrna and the Governor Bacon Health Center in Delaware City are seeking support from the community in “adopting” residents for the holidays who have little family involvement or support. The state suggests three ways to help: Adopt-A-Resident (Donors are provided with the identification code and wish list of a resident); Monetary donation: (Leave a gift card or check and so the staff can shop for residents); General donation: (Purchase items from a list of suggested gift items that will be emailed to you or picked up in the lobby). For more information and to participate, email Jennifer.Bobel@state.de.us or call (302) 223-1011 and let her know your name, how you would like to help and how to contact you.

Food Bank will collect holiday food through Dec. 20

The Delaware Food Bank will be seeking a variety of food items for the holidays through Dec. 20.

It is particularly interested in canned sweet potatoes, canned peas, canned corn, evaporated milk, canned pumpkin, applesauce, coffee/tea bags corn muffin mix, canned gravy, mashed potatoes, graham cracker crust, turkey pans and frozen turkeys (those must be dropped off to Newark or Milford warehouses).

Groups who collect more than 20 boxes/bags of donated food may make arrangements with the Food Bank of Delaware to have donations picked up. In an effort to save money on transportation costs, the Food Bank asks that donations of fewer than 20 bags/boxes be dropped off at the organization’s Newark or Milford facilities:

The food bank offices are at 14 Garfield Way, Newark (302) 292-1305 and 1040 Mattlind Way, Milford (302) 424-3301. They are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, please go to www.fbd.org/holiday-food-drives.

Delaware culinary program gets adults with disabilities in the kitchen

Lashaunda Lynch is used to her limits being assumed.

The Seaford native grew up in rural Sussex County, itching to help in the kitchen by about 12 years old. Lynch’s mom taught her as much as she could, nursing the interest and hoping Lynch would keep finding ways to be independent. Other outlets for the interest never seemed quite in reach.

At Delaware nonprofit, cooking provides second chance

Editor's note: This story has been updated to include The Culinary School's new chef instructor, Sean McNeice.

It was 2014 and a shy, reserved Kasha Allen was out on probation, ready to get a job and move on with her life.

It wouldn't be easy, she knew. Sure, someone might hire her, but likely for the wrong reasons. They'd assume she was desperate for work, eager to do anything for a quick buck.

STORY:Punkin Chunkin canceled in light of pending lawsuit

STORY:Several blocks of Wilmington's downtown closed and without power

In reality, Allen had passion. She wanted to be a professional chef and work for a restaurant that looked at her and saw her drive, not her criminal background.

She's like a lot of the adults that go through the Food Bank of Delaware's Culinary School, President and CEO Patricia Beebe said.

"It's just kind of mind-blowing to me that we work with a population that people say 'All we know how to do is incarcerate them,' " she said. "I really feel like I can make a difference in people's lives with what we are doing as an organization."

That's one of the reasons Beebe started The Culinary School in the first place. Launched in 2002, it has since been certified as a trade school by the Delaware Department of Education and has graduated more than 565 students, many of whom have gone on to get full-time jobs.

Under the guidance of Executive Chef Tim Hunter and Chef Instructors Tish Badamshin, who teaches classes in Milford, and Sean McNeice, who teaches in Newark, the program provides valuable job training to unemployed and underemployed adults, adults with disabilities and individuals re-entering society from Delaware’s Department of Correction.

The 14-week program includes 12 weeks of hands-on training in basic and high-end kitchen skills, safe food handling and life lessons. Students also have the opportunity to become ServSafe certified, which many restaurants now require.

The class culminates with a two-week paid internship at a food service company. Students not only are able to prove their skills and attain hands-on experience but also increase their chances of attaining full-time employment from the experience.

Beebe, who has been with the Food Bank for 20 years, said the program ties in perfectly to the nonprofit's mission and goal: to feed the hungry.

"I took over (the Food Bank) from an organization that was doing a great job of making food available to the people in Delaware," Beebe said, looking back to when she first became president.

But she wanted to go deeper and look at why so many people needed food in the first place.

Ultimately, it comes down to jobs, she said. To help solve the food crisis, the organization would also have to address unemployment.

And so The Culinary School was born. At the time, The Food Bank of Delaware was the first food bank in the country to host such a program. Today, it is the only food bank to operate a culinary school in two locations.

A fresh start

Allen was 21 when she was arrested in 2013. Today, she is 26 and runs her own catering business. It was her parole officer that first told her about The Culinary School.

She interned at Domaine Hudson in Wilmington and has also worked at 8th and Union Kitchen. She was a line cook at a local Denny's, and today, in addition to catering, runs a small hot dog cart for the Food Bank during lunch in the Newark industrial park.

"You have a whole organization rooting for you," Allen said of starting her own catering company.

Just a few years ago, she wasn't sure if she'd ever even get a job.

Other students are new to the United States and are looking for steady employment, such as 21-year-old Romario Brown, who moved here from Jamaica about five months ago.

He's wanted to be a chef since he was 7 and this month started working for The Metro Diner in Newark.

"I went in for an internship and instead I got a job," he said excitedly.

On Wednesday, he was making a sweet-and-sour Jamaican fish dish as part of his kitchen finals. Nearby, Alberta Siamah was making creamed corn, sauteed pork and fried potatoes.

Siamah, from Ghana, has three children, ages 2, 3 and 4, and next week will start a full-time job cooking for Christiana Care Health System. Previously, she was studying information technology at Wilmington University.

Hunter, executive chef for the culinary school, said those interested don't need a food background.

"They don't really have to have cooking experience to get here," he said. "They just have to have the passion to work in the business."

Restaurants are flexible, as well, he said, and many are willing to hire students who know the basics. From there, they can work with them and train them on their menus.

"Your background doesn't matter," Hunter said. "We just need someone to show up, on time, every day."

Contact Jessica Bies at (302) 324-2881 or jbies@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @jessicajbies.

Apply for the program

The next round of The Food Bank's Culinary School classes in both Newark andMilton begin Monday, Sept. 25. Applications are currently being accepted.

Students interested in applying must have a high school diploma or GED with a ninth-grade reading and math level. The cost to attend is $5,700, though it is rare that students actually pay tuition and they often receive scholarships and grants.

For more information or to apply, visit www.fbd.org/the-culinary-school or contact Jessica Neal (New Castle County) at (302) 292-1305 ext. 265 or jneal@fbd.org or Ruthann Messick (Kent and Sussex Counties) at (302) 424-3301 ext. 107 or rmessick@fbd.org.

Students are also referred to the program through the Delaware Department of Labor, Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Corrections and other community-based organizations.

More workforce training on the way

When the Food Bank of Delaware moves into its new facility in the Pencader Corporate Center off Del. 896 this upcoming spring, it will expand its workforce training program, president and CEO Patricia Beebe said.

Not only will The Culinary School offer additional classes, but the Food Bank will begin offering a warehouse logistics program and agricultural apprenticeships.

It will work with Amazon, which has in the past donated to the food bank, to offer some of the training and will take advantage of its new five-acre farm to provide agriculture experience. The Food Bank also plans on starting a CSA, from which residents can buy shares of fresh produce.


Sales at Delaware farmers markets top $4 million for first time

Sales in 2023 totaled about $4.1 million, surpassing the previous record by more than $400,000.

Fresh produce made up 52% of total sales in 2023, with the remainder coming from products such as meats, cheeses, jellies, breads, salsa, eggs and honey.

Some markets offer live entertainment, kids' games and crafts, recipes and food trucks.

Sales at Delaware farmers markets set a record in 2023 with over $4 million in revenue.

Market organizers said while the fresh fruits and vegetables are the initial draw, the friendships and community spirit keep people coming back, leading to the increasing revenue.

The $4,144,951 in sales statewide breaks the record set in 2022 by $437,136, the Delaware Department of Agriculture announced on Jan. 9.

Delmarva farms fill gaps in food supply. Farmers markets and pickup ...

SALISBURY, Md. — Designated essential businesses in Maryland, but ordered to close in Delaware and Virginia. Then, allowed to reopen in Virginia.

State policies during the coronavirus pandemic regarding farmers markets have confused and upset members of the local agriculture community, even as an early spring heralds produce and the pandemic empties grocery store shelves.

The closures have prompted some local growers to throw considerable time and effort into pivoting their business norms to fit with their state's pandemic rules. For some, the efforts are paying off: Many farms are seeing more business than ever.

Subscriptions to Community Supported Agriculture boxes and delivery services are soaring, and some farmers markets have applied social distancing rules in order to keep operating, said Niamh Shortt, field school director for Future Harvest CASA, a regional nonprofit focused on sustainable agriculture.

"It’s been a pretty wild time, actually, for the local farming community because demand is really high for local foods," said Shortt, who has been involved in the Delmarva Peninsula agricultural community for seven years. "It’s exciting for the farmers who are in a position to be able to absorb those customers."

But for the small-scale growers who can't afford to redesign their operations and who face a ban on farmers markets, the pandemic has been a disaster, said Helaine Harris, president of the Historic Lewes Farmer's Market.

"We’re very, very frustrated that at a time when we should most be encouraging and supporting farmers markets, they’re not being supported by the state of Delaware," Harris said.

Adapting to coronavirus circumstances

Natalie McGill and Stewart Lundy, who operate Perennial Roots Farm in Accomack County, Virginia, said they are currently doing double the business they were at this time last year.

Perennial Roots grows non-GMO, open-pollinated heirloom plants and raises heritage breed pigs, sheep, geese, ducks, chickens, rabbits and turkeys.

Usually, Perennial Roots sells its produce and meats at about five markets per week and makes sales to shops and restaurants, but since the pandemic it has switched to a CSA and an online store that the couple built in just two weeks.

Shares in the CSA quickly sold out, and they had to create a waiting list, the couple said. Local delivery for the CSA shares has received a "really positive" response and they are taking extra precautions to make sure even elderly customers who fear the virus most are able to get groceries stress-free.

"Every time there’s a health outbreak or a recall, it never affects small farmers … this has been true all along, and now people are starting to — people are having to — recognize it," Lundy said.

Keeping things safe and sanitary is important for the farmers themselves, too.

"We’re feeding too many people to risk one of us getting contaminated," McGill said.

The local farm model is, by nature, pretty suited to a pandemic, and CSAs especially are safe ways to get food, Shortt said. Very few people touch the food as it goes from the farm to your table, and ordering it online for pickup means no need to venture into an enclosed, potentially germy space (like a grocery store).

To connect people with local growers in their area, Future Harvest created an interactive map of farmers and markets across the Chesapeake Bay region.

"We’re learning that there is nothing like a pandemic to drive home the importance of a robust, regional food system and the healthy, safe, local food such a system can dish up," wrote Future Harvest executive director Dena Leibman on the nonprofit's website.

Likewise for Matt and Stefanie Barfield, who operate Chesterfield Heirlooms in Pittsville, Maryland. The pandemic created challenges that forced innovation.

Normally, Chesterfield Heirlooms makes most of its money from selling wholesale to local restaurants. With restaurant sales wiped out by the pandemic's closures, the couple built an on-farm pickup service from scratch, growing from zero to over 100 orders in just about a month, Matt Barfield said.

The process has included a big learning curve but helped the business greatly, Barfield said.

"It is tough — it takes a lot more to run that part of the business than it does the wholesale outlets," he said. "It takes a lot more management to put that phase of the operation into play. But without it, we’d be in trouble."

Barfield said he feels now the business is filling two roles: as a provider of niche products (most of the vegetables are from pre-1940 heirloom seeds) and as a filler of gaps in the industrial food system.

The changes forced by the coronavirus pandemic will actually stick around after life goes back to normal — and the farmers hope the customer increase will, too.

"Really we’re competing on quality," Barfield said. "We think that the flavor and the quality of the product, once it’s all said and done and ... everything gets stabilized, the folks who had a chance to try it will be like, 'Wow, local really does taste better. There is a difference.' "

For McGill and Lundy, switching to the CSA model allows them to spend more time doing what they love — farming — instead of standing under a tent at a farmers market most days of the week. They intend to keep it.

"We are exactly where we’re supposed to be in this moment," McGill said.

Delaware farmers shut out of market

Operating a farmers market during a pandemic is tricky, but Future Harvests is helping markets create and implement new safety rules, Shortt said.

A pandemic-friendly farmers market involves adding visual guidelines to help with distancing, not allowing customers to touch the merchandise, and requiring face masks. There also needs to be effort made in controlling the perimeter, in order to prevent too many people from congregating at a time.

Rules need to be strict, as some markets still operating have found attendees show up and simply don't follow them, Shortt said.

And, under pandemic rules, social aspects of a market, like musicians, tastings or chef demos, are definitely cancelled.

"People have to understand the true nature of what a farmers market is," Harris said. "I think people love the sociability of it … talking to a farmer and meeting their friends there. But the basic point of a farmers market is to deliver food products to customers."

Some farmers markets, like the Camden Avenue Farmers Market in Salisbury, are seeing more customers than normal, Shortt said.

For Chesterfield Heirlooms, it has been "a blessing" that they can continue to sell their vegetables at the Camden market after their restaurant sales disappeared. It makes up the difference that their new pickup service doesn't cover, Barfield said.

In Delaware, markets have been banned since mid-March and are likely to remain closed until at least May 15, if not longer.

Harris and associates have been working hard on a plan for Delaware to reopen farmers markets across the state safely. But there is no certainty that their efforts will succeed.

"We don’t think the farmers markets should have ever not been considered essential services," Harris said. "Farmers markets are food distribution services ... (but) we’re being seen as social venues."

More:Keeping optimistic: Delaware farmers markets plan for delayed openings amid coronavirus

There are 35 growers who usually depend on the Historic Lewes Farmers Market to sell their produce, Harris said.

Given the situation, Harris said some are wondering whether to plant at all.

Financing a pivot

Pivoting on a dime to develop a website, increase sanitation or change product packaging has created new costs for small farmers, some of whom don't know if they will come out of this in the black or in the red, Shortt said.

Many Delaware farmers have been hit hard, Harris said. Growers whose suffering is particularly acute are those who don't sell food products — people who grow flowers for weddings, for example, Shortt said.

"We are working with them, but it’s not a panacea — (pivoting) is a hard, hard thing for farmers to do," Harris said.

The decision of whether to pass these costs forward to consumers is up to the individual farmer. For many, the conversation about rethinking prices is happening, Shortt said.

"There is a real, sincere understanding on the part of the farmers that many people are losing their jobs," Shortt said. "It’s a morally conflicting situation."

That's why, as of May 11, Future Harvest is launching a fund to help farmers weather market changes caused by the pandemic and bring food to the community at a low cost.

More:Chincoteague Manna Cafe switches to mobile food service - photos

The "Feed the Need Fund" is raising money to provide mini-grants, ranging from $500 to $5,000, to farmers who make some of their product more affordable. The intention is to make sure farmers get paid for the food they grow while making it accessible to more members of the community, Shortt said.

Methods that might qualify for a grant include offering sliding scales on CSA orders and home deliveries, or providing free produce to local food banks and pantries.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is also running a program of support for food banks, but what makes the Feed the Need Fund different is its flexibility: Farmers who don't live in a community with a food bank can still receive a grant by lowering their prices another way, Shortt said.

Between the efforts of the local farm community to help those in need and to provide sanitary food to those who seek it, there's a hope that a pandemic-fueled increase in awareness of local farms and local produce could translate to more federal and state assistance for the often-overlooked small-scale grower, Shortt said.

"This crisis shows how important local farms really are," she said.

Julia Rentsch is the environmental watchdog reporter for Delmarva Now. Send her an email at jrentsch@delmarvanow.com.

Delaware Eats, Patricia Talorico's weekly newsletter is a must-read

If you love food and love Delaware-inspired food even more, Wednesdays should be your favorite day of the week.

That’s when Delaware Eats would land in your inbox if you sign up for this weekly newsletter just bursting with fresh ideas about dining out, cooking in (or ordering in, because there’s no shame in that).

Award-winning reporter Patricia Talorico recently revamped her newsletter, and it’s stuffed with bite-sized goodness – not just highlights of our recent and always robust dining coverage, but lots of exclusive-to-the-newsletter tips about eating, drinking, cooking, ingredient hunting and much more.

This week’s newsletter has great suggestions for treating mom right on her special day. Patricia also dishes about a favorite guilty TV pleasure, how to score fresh strawberries at the farmers market, that first really great lobster roll of the season, and how best to enjoy the Wilmington Flower Market.

We caught up with her recently to learn more about what inspires Delaware Eats:

Q: Share with us some of your background covering food in Delaware.

A: I grew up mostly in Delaware. We moved here when I was a child, and I went to school here, and have been at the paper for more than 30 years. I’ve been covering food since ’97 – maybe even before then, in the ‘90s as the Food Network was starting to gain steam. I have met nearly all the major players in the business, everyone from Julia Child to Jacques Pépin to Rachael Ray to Anthony Bourdain.

Q: You’ve been recognized by the James Beard Foundation for your food journalism ...

A: I have two James Beard Award nominations, and I lost to a writer from the New York Times and to the San Francisco Chronicle, so that’s not too shabby.

Big week for local journalism:Delaware Online rakes in 30 regional journalism awards. Read the winning work for 2022.

Q: What makes covering food in Delaware so special?

A: Well, it’s the Mid-Atlantic region, so you are getting this great seafood. If you are in Wilmington, you are only an hour and a half from the beach, great crab. There’s a great agricultural community in the state, so a lot of chefs here have really been taking advantage of that for more than 10 years, more like 20. There’s great farmers markets. … It’s small, and it’s one of its greatest strengths, as you can get to know the owner and the chef, and not everybody but it’s pretty accessible I would think. And the president of the United States is from Delaware, so you can’t get much better than that.

Q: What’s your favorite type of food story to tell?

A: Really, just like the chef/owners, the mom and pops, the pizza guy I wrote about today … a young guy or woman just getting started in their craft, and sharing something new. If you think you know it, maybe you don’t know it all. So sharing something that people don’t know, all these little, hidden gems.

Q: You write a lot about cooking at home. Are you more of a favorite recipe cook or an improvisational cook?

A: I do both. I like to study a cuisine and then really try to perfect it. For a while, it was Indian food, then it was Mexican especially moles, and always Italian food. I’ve traveled to Italy a lot, and I can make a pretty mean risotto. From there, you can do your own improvising.

Q: What is your favorite cookbook you go back to again and again?

A: “How to Cook Everything” by Mark Bittman ... it’s like falling apart, I use it so much. He has recipes for the best blueberry muffins and the best brownies. I still use “The Joy of Cooking.” Sheila Lukins – I still use that a lot.

Q: Your newsletter includes a lot of juicy tidbits about food on TV. Do you think you like those shows more because of your job?

A: I don’t know if it’s just my job. I see it and I think, “Can I use that?” Nora Ephron said everything is material; you are always looking for inspiration and I’m always going to zero in on the food. But when it comes to food TV, I don’t like yelling and that kind of stuff. I still watch “Top Chef,” and I watch (“Lidia's Kitchen”) once in a while. I watch Jacques Pépin on Instagram or Facebook.

Q: What is the most Delaware meal you’ve ever had?

A: That’s a great question. Maybe a Capriotti’s Bobbie. … Definitely, a crab cake and corn on the cob in the summer. Any kind of crabs especially that someone caught themselves and served up like a backyard crab fest. And in Sussex, definitely the BBQ chicken by the firefighters. That’s very Delaware. And chicken and slippery dumplings … in a butter bean gravy.

Q: Summer’s on its way. What fresh ingredient are you most looking forward to?

A: Tomatoes, and then corn.

Q: What do you most want people to know about your newsletter?

A: With Delaware Eats, we’re trying to give them something extra, something you are not already reading on Delaware Online.

To sign up for Delaware Eats, visit profile.delawareonline.com/newsletters/delaware-eats.

More cantaloupe recalls: Check cut fruit products sold at Trader ...

Another company has issued recalls connected to a string of cantaloupe-related salmonella infections, according to the FDA.

The FDA and CDC have initiated an investigation into the contaminated cantaloupe fruits that have been linked to 61 hospitalizations and two deaths in recent weeks. As part of this, several distributors and grocery stores have issued warnings and recalls about both whole cantaloupes and fresh fruit-based products that may contain tainted products.

The latest recall comes from GHGA, LLC, which distributes some fresh-cut fruit products using cantaloupe from Sofia Produce, LLC dba Trufresh, which had prior issued their own salmonella-based recall.

The impacted products were sold at Kroger, Trader Joe's and Sprouts stores in several states mostly throughout November. The FDA has released a full set of images and lot numbers to reference, so it's best to check your fridge and freezer now if you might have some affected produce.

What cut fruit products are being recalled?

Fresh-cut fruit products such as fruit trays and cups are recalled if they contain potentially contaminated cantaloupe. The FDA has specified the following products and sell-by dates:

Sprouts Farmers Market brand

10 and 20 ounce Apple Fruit Medley

20 ounce Assorted Fruit Spears

32 ounce Fruit Tray

10 ounce Tropical FruitBlendWith sell-by dates 11/1/23-11/8/23.

Trader Joe’s brand

1 pound Cantaloupe Chunks

16 ounce Fruitful MedleyWith sell-by dates 11/1/23-11/8/23.

Non-branded Krogers products

9 ounce Cantaloupe Chunks with Tajin

18 ounce Cantaloupe Chunks

18 ounce Fruit Medley

73 ounce Large Fruit Tray

73.5 ounce Large Fruit Tray with Dip

18 ounce Mixed Melon

32 ounce Fruit Bowl

9 ounce Mixed Melon with Tajin

9 ounce Cantaloupe Chunks

9 ounce Fruit Medley

26 ounce Small Fruit Tray

26.75 ounce Small Fruit Tray with Dip

9 ounce Mixed MelonWith sell-by dates 10/28/2023-11/4/23.

CDC, FDA investigate:More cantaloupe products recalled over possible salmonella contamination

Where were the recalled products sold?

The fresh-cut fruit products containing recalled cantaloupe were distributed by Kroger, Trader Joe's and Sprouts stores in several states. These include:

Kroger stores in Alabama and Georgia

in Alabama and Georgia Sprouts stores in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina

in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina Trader Joe’s stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee

Cantaloupe recalls

The Centers for Disease Control has issued a series of warnings in recent weeks over concerns of cantaloupes potentially being contaminated with samonella. The agency reported at least 61 people have been hospitalized and two have died across 34 impacted states. Another 117 illnesses related to the outbreak were also reported as of Friday.

The following products have been recalled, as per the CDC:

Pacific Trellis Fruit/Dulcinea Farms voluntarily recalled nearly 4,900 cases of its "Malichita" brand whole cantaloupes due to the ongoing investigation of Malichita-brand cantaloupe for salmonella. The company distributed the cantaloupes between Oct. 18-26 in California, Illinois, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin across various supermarkets, according to the FDA.

voluntarily recalled nearly 4,900 cases of its "Malichita" brand whole cantaloupes due to the ongoing investigation of Malichita-brand cantaloupe for salmonella. The company distributed the cantaloupes between Oct. 18-26 in California, Illinois, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin across various supermarkets, according to the FDA. CF Dallas LLC recalled packages of their Freshness Guaranteed and RaceTrac brands of fresh-cut fruit packages on Wednesday.

recalled packages of their Freshness Guaranteed and RaceTrac brands of fresh-cut fruit packages on Wednesday. Sofia Produce LLC , which operates under Trufresh, recalled all sizes of fresh cantaloupe with a label that says "Malichita" on Nov. 15. The recalled cantaloupes were sold between Oct. 16-23.

, which operates under Trufresh, recalled all sizes of fresh cantaloupe with a label that says "Malichita" on Nov. 15. The recalled cantaloupes were sold between Oct. 16-23. Aldi also announced a recall on cantaloupe, cut cantaloupe and pineapple spears in clamshell packaging with best-by dates between Oct. 27-31.

also announced a recall on cantaloupe, cut cantaloupe and pineapple spears in clamshell packaging with best-by dates between Oct. 27-31. Vinyard Fruit and Vegetable Company initiated a voluntary recall of all fresh-cut cantaloupe products. The recall includes a dozen fresh-cut products containing cantaloupes distributed in Oklahoma from Oct. 30 to Nov. 10.

initiated a voluntary recall of all fresh-cut cantaloupe products. The recall includes a dozen fresh-cut products containing cantaloupes distributed in Oklahoma from Oct. 30 to Nov. 10. Kwik Trip, Inc. initiated a voluntary recall of three varieties of fresh-cut fruit cup and tray products because they contain cantaloupe that is potentially contaminated with salmonella. The recall includes the fresh-cut fruit cup and tray products containing cantaloupe with sell-by dates of November 4, 2023, through December 3, 2023.

Safety precautions for contaminated fruit

While all GHGA products associated with the recall have expired, the FDA has advised consumers who have purchased these items and frozen them for later use not to consume them and instead to dispose of them immediately or return the items to their local store for a full refund.

The CDC has likewise issued guidance for handling potentially contaminated fruits if you find them in your home:

Do not eat pre-cut cantaloupes if you don’t know whether Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupes were used. This includes cantaloupe chunks and fruit mixes with cantaloupes at restaurants and grocery stores.

Do not eat any recalled whole or pre-cut cantaloupe products. If you have any, throw them away or return them to the store. If the whole cantaloupe does not have a sticker, check with the store to make sure it is not a Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupe.

Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the cantaloupe using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

Symptoms of salmonella

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, according to the FDA. The signs of salmonella poisoning include:

Bloody diarrhea or diarrhea that lasts more than three days without improving.

Diarrhea and a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

Nausea and vomiting, especially if it prevents you from keeping liquids down.

Signs of dehydration, including: dry mouth and throat, infrequent peeing and feeling dizzy when standing up.

Stomach cramps.

These symptoms most commonly occur between six hours and six days after exposure. Though most people recover in four to seven days, those with weakened immune systems, including children younger than 5 and adults over 65, may experience more severe symptoms that require medical treatment or hospitalization.

Contributing: Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY

What's open Thanksgiving 2023? Starbucks, Kroger open; Walmart ...

Whether you're looking to pick up some last-minute groceries, grab a quick bite to eat or go shopping, consumers will have options this Thanksgiving.

While some national retailers and grocery stores, like Costco and Target, will be closed on Thursday, others like Kroger and Big Lots will be open, albeit some with reduced hours.

More retailers have moved away from opening their stores on the holiday, a nod to a change in consumer habits and as a way for employers to demonstrate care to their workers, experts told USA TODAY.

Here's everything you need to know about what's open and closed on Thursday, Nov. 23. It's best to check with your local store or restaurant online before leaving home, as hours and closures can vary by location.

Restaurants open on Thanksgiving:Details on Starbucks, McDonald's, fast food, more

Bank and post office hours:Are banks and post offices open on Thanksgiving and Black Friday? Here's what to know

Is Walmart open on Thanksgiving?

All Walmart stores will be closed on Thanksgiving.

Is Target open on Thanksgiving?

No, all Target stores will be closed on Thanksgiving this year.

Are Costco and Sam's Club open on Thanksgiving?

Both Costco and Sam's Club will be closed on Thanksgiving this year.

Will Home Depot, Lowe's or Ace Hardware be open on Thanksgiving?

All Home Depot and Lowe's stores will be closed on Thanksgiving this year.

Ace Hardware stores are independently owned and operated, so hours vary by location. However, an "overwhelming majority" of their stores will be closed on Thanksgiving, the company told USA TODAY.

Are pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens open on Thanksgiving?

Most CVS stores will be open regular hours, however some stores may be closed or have limited hours, the company told USA TODAY.

Walgreens announced Nov. 16 that for the first time in company history, most of its locations will be closed on Thanksgiving. According to the company, 24-hour locations will remain open.

It is always best to check your local store's hours before going. You can find your local CVS here and Walgreens here.

Is the post office open on Thanksgiving and Black Friday? Will mail be delivered?

The U.S. Postal Service not be delivering mail on Thursday, Nov. 23, nor will retail services be available, the agency told USA TODAY.

Mail delivery and retail services will resume their normal operations on Friday.

Are UPS and FedEx open on Thanksgiving?

Both UPS and FedEx stores will be closed on Thanksgiving in 2023. Both companies also will not be delivering packages on Thursday.

Both companies will resume regular operations on Friday.

Are banks open on Thanksgiving?

Banks will be closed on Thanksgiving. Branches of Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Capital One, Citibank, PNC, Truist and more will not open their branches Thursday, the companies told USA TODAY.

Branches will be open their regular hours on Friday.

Holiday shopping:In the mood for holiday shopping? Beware, this year more stores are closed on Thanksgiving

Which retail stores are open and closed on Thanksgiving?

Open:

Bass Pro Shop (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

Cabela's (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

Big Lots (7 a.m. to 9 p.m.)

Closed:

Office Depot

OfficeMax

Staples

Macy's (some Macy's store hours vary by location, so it is best to check with your local store regarding their specific hours)

Nordstrom

JC Penny

TJ Maxx

Marshall's

HomeGoods

Best Buy

Dick's Sporting Goods

Belk

Kohl's

IKEA

Victoria's Secret

Barnes & Noble

REI

Burlington Coat Factory

Five Below

Old Navy: A small numbers of Old Navy stores in select markets will be open

Gap

H&M

Sephora: Store hours vary by region and location, so check with your local store

PetSmart

Which grocery stores are open and closed on Thanksgiving?

Open: All grocery stores below will be operating under adjusted hours unless noted otherwise. It is always best to check with your local store and pharmacy hours before visiting.

All stores in the Kroger family of stores will be open, however most will close in the early evening. The Kroger family of stores includes: Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Foods Co, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Gerbes, Jay C Food Store, King Soopers, Kroger, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Pay-Less Super Markets, Pick’n Save, QFC, Ralphs, Ruler, Smith’s Food and Drug.

Meijer: Open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Safeway: Pharmacy may be closed or have adjusted hours

Albertsons: Pharmacy may be closed or have adjusted hours

Jewel-Osco: Pharmacy may be closed or have adjusted hours

ACME: Pharmacy may be closed or have adjusted hours

Shaw's: Pharmacy may be closed or have adjusted hours

Vons: Pharmacy may be closed or have adjusted hours

Tom Thumb: Pharmacy may be closed or have adjusted hours

Sprouts Farmers Market: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wegman's: Stores will close at 4 p.m.

Giant Eagle: Stores will close at 3 p.m.; Pharmacies will be closed

Whole Foods: Many stores are open with modified hours. You can check your local store's hours here.

Food Lion: Most stores will be closing at 3 p.m., however a few select stores in Virginia (Lynchburg, Blacksburg and Charlottesville) will close at 4 p.m.

Closed:

Publix

Trader Joe's

Aldi

Thanksgiving prices:What is the average cost of a Thanksgiving meal? We're breaking down what you need to know

Which restaurants are open and closed on Thanksgiving?

All restaurants and major chains below will be open regular business hours unless noted otherwise.

Starbucks: Store hours vary by location. You can find hours for a specific store using the Starbucks app or here.

Dunkin': Most locations will be open. Store hours vary by location. Customers can check hours for their local Dunkin' using the Dunkin' app or the online store locator.

Taco Bell: Hours vary by location, but you can check your local Taco Bell's hours here.

Cracker Barrel

Burger King: Holiday hours vary by location

Popeyes: Holiday hours vary by location

Krispy Kreme: All locations will close at 2 p.m.

IHOP: Holiday hours vary by location

Waffle House

Fogo de Chão

White Castle: All restaurants will close at 3 p.m.

Golden Corral: Open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., although restaurants in some markets will stay open later

Hooters

Red Lobster: Hours vary by location

Whataburger

Closed: All restaurants listed below will be closed on Thanksgiving, unless otherwise noted.

Farm-fresh foods, handmade crafts to be featured at downtown ...

Justin and Tara Brant are assembling a stable of vendors for an indoor farmers market in downtown Dover.

They plan to open Black Swamp Artisanal Market in April in a 1,200-square-foot store at 204 W. Loockerman St., leading a team of more than 30 vendors offering farm-fresh meats, eggs, vegetables, flowers, honey, ice cream and baked goods along with handcrafted soaps, lotions, jewelry and furniture.

“Our goal is to highlight local crafters and producers,” Justin Brant said.

The market is named after their farm in Felton, and they named their farm after the road it’s on.

The Brants started raising pigs and chickens two years ago, and they joined the Delaware Farm Bureau. Tara Brant is a registered nurse, retired from the Army, while Justin Brant serves in the Navy but looks to farm full-time soon.

Last year they started selling their pork and eggs at markets, including the Capital City Farmers Market in Dover.

“Tara and I always thought about opening our own store, but we didn’t have the time and worried that we wouldn’t have enough besides pork and eggs,” Justin Brant said.

Then they were contacted by Diane Laird and other representatives from the Downtown Dover Partnership and Unlock the Block.

“They said, ‘We’ve got this idea for this space in Dover that’s vacant, and looking at your website and what you do, we think you’d be a good fit,’” Justin Brant said. “They definitely put the seed in our mind. Tara and I have watered it and grown it, but they’ve really been helping us out.”

The artisanal market concept was developed through Unlock the Block, a program with the goal of reducing vacancies by supporting entrepreneurs in the downtown business district, said Laird, the DDP executive director and co-chair of Unlock the Block.

“Small-business owners are the foundation of every successful downtown community,” Laird said. “Even amidst a world pandemic, Justin and Tara have been carefully planning and strategizing – discussing architecturals, finalizing contracts, working with vendors, selecting displays – all to ensure a high quality, successful venture next to the Bayard Pharmacy.”

A team that comprises Unlock the Block, including Cindy Small, business adviser for the Small Business Development Center, is providing assistance to the couple.

“Small businesses are the cornerstone of Delaware’s economy and this marketplace creates the opportunity not only for Black Swamp Farmstead, but for several other small businesses that will make up this cooperative,” Small said. “It’s a win-win-win situation for the businesses, residents and Dover.”

Will Grimes, Neighborhood Revitalization coordinator and NCALL/Restoring Central Dover representative, said the market is filling a need.

“We know the community will be so enthused about the variety of goods they’ll be offering right here in the downtown,” he said.

MORE DOVER NEWS:Celebrity photographer from Dover works on 'Love & Hip Hop,' 'Black Ink'

“Artisanal” means made in a traditional or non-mechanized way, not from a factory.

“The products are grown or raised locally – homemade, handcrafted,” Justin Brant said. “The vendors are sourcing the items for their products as sustainably as they can. These are people making their own cheese, butter, bread, cakes and canning their own jelly.”

The Brants have received verbal commitments from about 35 vendors.

“This team approach will allow us to bring high-quality products all under one roof, and weather will certainly not affect operations as it sometimes does with the outdoor farmers markets,” Justin Brant said.

The market will have the look of one store, but each vendor will label their product with their company logo and information.

The Brants, members of the Farmers-Veterans Coalition, will display the products on custom wood furniture made by Fortitude Furnishings, owned by a U.S. Marine Corps veteran in Georgetown, and that furniture will also be for sale.

Workshops and demonstrations

Tara Brant said she and several vendors will offer workshops and demonstrations at the market, so customers can learn how to make some of the products themselves.

“I make soaps and lotions from natural ingredients and will be pleased to share that process in the store,” she said.

Other ideas include workshops on making wreaths, candles or floral arrangements.

Jocelyn Bottomley of Fat Cat Farms will offer how-to programs in addition to selling her sourdough English muffins and seasonal heirloom vegetables and flowers at the market.

“We plan on providing workshops and demos on ‘farmsteading’ with topics including food preservation, bread baking and seed starting,” she said.

Salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes: Here's what we know

At least two people have died and 45 people have been hospitalized in a salmonella outbreak in cantaloupes across 32 states, the Centers for Disease Control said Friday.

Cantaloupes from several brands, including those sold at Aldi, have been recalled as the CDC works with the Food and Drug Administration to investigate the outbreak.

The FDA has advised consumers, businesses and restaurants to check cantaloupes they have to see if they have been recalled. If someone has a recalled cantaloupe or if they are unsure if a cantaloupe has been recalled, they are advised to throw it away or return it and sanitize any surfaces that may be contaminated.

How many illnesses, deaths are linked to the outbreak?

99 illnesses and 45 hospitalizations have been linked to the salmonella outbreak said the CDC Friday, while 2 deaths were reported.

The most recently reported illness occurred on November 10, though the agency notes that illnesses can take three to four weeks to be determined as a part of an outbreak.

USA TODAY recall database:Search here for recalls on cars, food and other products

Which states are impacted?

The salmonella outbreak has been reported in 32 states including Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennesse, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

Minnesota has the largest number of sickened people with 13 of the 99 cases reported nationwide, according to CDC data.

When was the first salmonella case reported?

The first case was reported on October 17, 2023, per CDC data, while the highest number of cases were reported on October 24, 2023.

Which brands have recalled cantaloupes?

The following products have been recalled, as per the CDC:

Pacific Trellis Fruit/Dulcinea Farms voluntarily recalled nearly 4,900 cases of its "Malichita" brand whole cantaloupes due to the ongoing investigation of Malichita-brand cantaloupe for salmonella. The company distributed the cantaloupes between Oct. 18-26 in California, Illinois, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin across various supermarkets, according to the FDA. Consumers should look out for corrugated cartons with a price look-up sticker labeled as "Malichita." Pacific said it hadn't received any reports of people being sick as of Friday.

voluntarily recalled nearly 4,900 cases of its "Malichita" brand whole cantaloupes due to the ongoing investigation of Malichita-brand cantaloupe for salmonella. The company distributed the cantaloupes between Oct. 18-26 in California, Illinois, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin across various supermarkets, according to the FDA. Consumers should look out for corrugated cartons with a price look-up sticker labeled as "Malichita." Pacific said it hadn't received any reports of people being sick as of Friday. CF Dallas LLC recalled packages of their Freshness Guaranteed and RaceTrac brands of fresh cut fruit packages on Wednesday.

recalled packages of their Freshness Guaranteed and RaceTrac brands of fresh cut fruit packages on Wednesday. Sofia Produce LLC , which operates under the name Trufresh , recalled all sizes of fresh cantaloupe with a label that says "Malichita" on Nov. 15. The recalled cantaloupes were sold between Oct. 16-23.

, which operates under the name , recalled all sizes of fresh cantaloupe with a label that says "Malichita" on Nov. 15. The recalled cantaloupes were sold between Oct. 16-23. Aldi also announced a recall on cantaloupe, cut cantaloupe and pineapple spears in clamshell packaging with best-by dates between Oct. 27-31.

also announced a recall on cantaloupe, cut cantaloupe and pineapple spears in clamshell packaging with best-by dates between Oct. 27-31. Vinyard Fruit and Vegetable Company initiated a voluntary recall of all fresh-cut cantaloupe product. The recall includes a dozen fresh-cut products containing cantaloupes distributed in Oklahoma from Oct. 30 to Nov. 10.

Fruit pouches recalled:Lead poisoning sickens more children, 52 total

What are the symptoms of salmonella?

Salmonella is a bacterium that affects the intestines of people and animals, according to the CDC. People can get the salmonella infection from eating or drinking contaminated food and water or by touching infected animals, their feces, or their environment.

Salmonella symptoms include:

Bloody diarrhea or diarrhea that lasts more than three days without improving

Diarrhea and fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit

Excessive vomiting, especially if it prevents you from keeping liquids down

Signs of dehydration, including dry mouth and throat, infrequent peeing and feeling dizzy when standing up

Stomach cramps

Feeling dizzy when standing up

Symptoms usually start 6 hours to 6 days after swallowing the bacteria, says the CDC. Most people recover without treatment after 4 to 7 days. The CDC recommends getting in touch with a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or get worse.

Is it safe to eat cantaloupe?

The CDC has advised against consuming, selling or serving recalled fruit. However, they have not issued any warnings against completely avoiding the fruit.

ListeriaWilcox Ice Cream recalls multiple products after listeria found in batch of mint chip

Contributing: James Powel, Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.

Vegan chef offers hot foods buffet in Newark

Nicole Marie Karam took slow steps when she decided to become a vegan.

"I had a lot of friends who were vegan," says the Wilmington University instructor, who teaches introduction to critical thinking and empowerment strategy online classes. "And my friends who are vegan are really happy.

"But, I was one of those people who was like, 'I could never go vegan. I need meat. I need cheese.' It was gradual."

First, she gave up chicken. And then, fast food.

Karam next phased out red meat and pork.

"I went pescatarian," she says, meaning her mainly vegetarian meals consisted of no meat, but she did eat fish.

Karam says she began to feel better and had more energy. She ultimately gave up all fish, along with dairy and eggs.

As her diet changed, Karam, now celebrating her sixth year anniversary as a vegan, found herself spending, and enjoying, more time in the kitchen and at local farmers markets.

"I taught myself everything I know. I started reading recipes. I was a terrible cook before I went vegan."

Karam began cooking vegan dishes for the Delaware Local Food Exchange. The store, in Wilmington's Trolley Square, sells certified organic, organically grown and pesticide-free foods as well as seasonal produce. It supports the farming community.

"It made me passionate about local foods."

She founded Yay, Nomz! a vegan food and events company. Karam now cooks plant-based dishes for various community events and festivals.

She offers cooking demonstrations and holds pop-up dining events. Sometimes, Karam shows up at Liquid Alchemy, a local meads and ciders company and tasting room in Wilmington. She also has done food events at The 3rd Place, a community gathering space in Wilmington's Cool Spring/Tilton neighborhood.

Two months ago, Karam created a hot food vegan buffet at Cafe 67, the in-house eatery at the Newark Natural Foods store at 230 E. Main St. in the Newark Shopping Center. She already prepares wraps, sandwiches and other foods for the store's grab-and-go case.

MORE: Local chefs share secrets at monthly hands-on cooking classes

MORE: 'Cutting-edge comfort cuisine' at Wilmington's Movable Feast

The vegan hot bar at the cafe is now available on Saturdays and Sundays, beginning at around 11:30 a.m. It usually runs until 4 p.m. "or until all the food sells out," she says. The cost is $8.99 per pound.

Karam starts cooking on weekend mornings around 8 a.m. and she seldom has the same offerings.

"I like to switch it up." She makes about five vegan dishes for the hot bar, although it might eventually expand.

"It's not super busy during the weekends," she says. (It's now winter break for some student customers who shop at the store and attend the nearby University of Delaware.)

Hot bar dishes have included a vegan quiche with a variety of vegetables including onions, peppers and kale. Karam only uses a small amount of oil in her cooking and likes fresh herbs like rosemary and sage. The batter is made with chickpea powder. She adds nutritional yeast, a nutty-tasting ingredient, that gives the quiche a cheesy flavor. The yeast is frequently used as a cheese substitute in vegan dishes.

Other dishes have included butternut squash mac and "cheese," (but, of course, Karam doesn't use any cheese), tofu scramble and some kind of cooked greens.

She tries to keep most dishes gluten free, soy free and nut free.

"We're catering to so many people who have allergies," Karam says, but admits not every dish at the hot bar is gluten free.

"I can't do a gluten-free pasta dish in the hot bar. It just falls apart."

Karam's most popular dish – and one that's available on a regular basis at Cafe 67 – is a lentil loaf topped with a maple ketchup glaze.

She makes the loaf using French lentils, short grain brown rice, hemp seeds, organic onions, celery, carrots, sometimes cabbage and fresh sage. It's pressed into a loaf pan, sliced and served with the maple ketchup glaze.

This past Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Karam cooked for the first Funky Funday Vegan Brunch at Newark Natural Foods.

As local musicians performed, customers could serve themselves from the vegan, gluten- and soy-free hot foods bar that included sweet potato shepherd's pie, whipped potatoes with gravy, sautéed greens, chickpea Thai curry, pineapple fried rice, corn chowder, and veggie lentil soup.

The inaugural event was a big success and Karam is hoping the brunch, with the live music, becomes a monthly event.

Karam says following a vegan diet has become easier than ever before.

"There are so many great alternatives."

She says vegan products can be found at Acme, ShopRite and BJ's stores and at her family's store, Zahra International Food Market in the Newark Shopping Center, which specializes in Greek and Turkish foods.

She likes that Kid Shelleen's Charcoal House & Saloon in Wilmington now serves a vegan garden burger ($13.95) made with a Beyond veggie patty, vegan mayonnaise, bibb lettuce, tomatoes and red onion.

Drop Squad Kitchen at the Wilmington Riverfront is another good choice for vegan meals, Karam says.

"I want to put together a vegan dining guide. There's a lot of good places," she says, adding Maharaja Indian Restaurant on Old Capitol Trail near Newark, is vegan-friendly, as is Sakura Japanese Sushi in Elsmere.

Contact Patricia Talorico at (302) 324-2861 or ptalorico@delawareonline.com and on Twitter @pattytalorico

Grocery prices are soaring. But this food favorite is getting cheaper

New York CNNBusiness —

There’s at least one item in the grocery store that is getting less expensive: avocados.

A significant supply glut of the buttery fruit has triggered a drop in wholesale prices, sending store prices lower as well.

With the overall cost of grocery items up a stunning 13% compared to last year, cheaper avocados couldn’t come at a better time for inflation-weary households desperate to catch a break on their shopping bills.

After surging in the first-half of 2022, the wholesale price for a carton of 48 mid-sized avocados has dropped 35% to under $30 year-over-year, down 67% from the peak reached in the last week of June, said David Magana, senior fresh produce analyst with Rabo AgriFinance.

At the store level, the average unit price for avocados also has reversed course, declining 2.6% in September from a year ago. That’s a big drop from the 31% year-over-year spike seen in July and August’s 13.9% bump, according to the latest numbers from market research firm NielsenIQ, which tracks point of sale data from retailers.

What has flipped the switch on the cost of avocados?

A glut of global avocado supply has triggered a significant drop in prices. Rachel Wisniewski/The Washington Post/Getty Images

A confluence of multifaceted issues — including geopolitics — has led to an overabundance of the fruit, said Richard Kottmeyer, managing director of food, agriculture and beverage with FTI Consulting.

As prices cool off, so many avocados are floating around right now that in some instances they are being given away for free.

“It’s one of those odd situations where this extreme oversupply of avocados is only possible because of a perfect storm of Black Swan events,” Kottmeyer said. “For consumers, avocados right now are the green lining to the storm clouds of food inflation.”

Last month in Philadelphia, local food distribution nonprofit Sharing Excess held a three-day event to hand out thousands of surplus avocados to anyone who wanted them. More than 300,000 free avocados were claimed in under three hours, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Perfect storm

Bumper avocado crops around the globe are leading the supply boom.

The US avocado market is dominated by Hass avocados from Mexico, which accounts for 92% of supply. A much smaller percentage of avocados come from Peru and from farms in California and Florida.

“In the first half of 2022, avocado shipments from Mexico were 25% lower compared to the record-high shipments we saw in 2021,” said Magana.

Shoppers saw a surge in prices for avocados in February after a brief suspension of imports from Michoacan in Western Mexico following a threat to a US official there. The ban was lifted a week later and imports resumed.

Avocados from Mexico account for over 90% of the supply in the US. Luis Antonio Rojas/Bloomberg/Getty Images

In April, Texas implemented heightened border inspections of commercial trucks carrying produce and other commodities from Mexico, which further delayed avocado shipments to the US. Those regulations were quickly lifted, but not before causing a further run-up in store prices.

As shipments began to flow following the stoppages, Mexican farmers were also experiencing a better harvest than expected this year.

“Most of the time, avocado crops alternate the yield year to year. So a big crop one year is followed by a smaller crop the next,” said Magana. But sometimes farms get a back-to-back high-yield seasons, as is happening this year.

Layered on top of that are bumper global avocado crops, in such key producing countries as Australia and Peru, that are clashing with geopolitics in a way that has amplified the oversupply, Kottmeyer said.

“Essentially, the US gets most [of its] avocados from Mexico and Peru. Bumper crops would usually be sold across the globe,” he said. “Europe has significant food inflation, so when avocado prices got high earlier this year, the demand went down in that market.”

China, another big market, is dealing with pandemic-related shutdowns, port congestion and closures. The Russia-Ukraine conflict, too, has hurt exports and shipments of avocados into and around Europe, he said.

“Much of the avocado oversupply has wound up in US,” Kottmeyer said. Avocados have about a three to four week shelf life, longer than most fruits and vegetables, which allows them to be more easily and quickly diverted to other markets, he added.

How long will it last?

Good news for consumers: The avocado glut should last at least into the middle of 2023, said Magana.

“We can’t predict weather changes, however. A spike in temperatures or a sudden drop can impact production,” he said.

Avocados are enjoying unprecedented popularity lately and are popping up in menu items such as avocado toast and in burgers. Blake Nissen/The Boston Globe/Getty Images

Avocados are already enjoying unprecedented popularity and are popping up in unexpected ways in menu and grocery items — everything from avocado toast and burgers to grilled avocados and avocado oil for cooking and in salad dressings.

“Demand for avocados is certainly not decreasing,” said Kottmeyer “The Super Bowl is the biggest consumption event for avocado, but we’re certainly seeing many more eating occasions for it.”

Are Costco, Kroger, Publix, Aldi open on Christmas 2023? See ...

If you need to make a last-minute trip to the grocery store to grab something for your Christmas gathering, you may be out of luck this year.

Some grocery store chains open with limited hours on holidays such as Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July, but that will not be the case for Christmas in 2023.

Several grocery stores, including popular chains such as Kroger, Walmart and Trader Joe's, have announced they will be closed on Dec. 25 to allow their employees to enjoy quality time with their loved ones.

Some chains will also have limited hours on Christmas Eve, so it is best to check with your local store for specific holiday operating hours.

Here's everything you need to know about which grocery stores will be open and closed on Christmas in 2023.

Are banks open on Christmas?:Are post offices, banks, shipping services open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2023?

Is Walmart open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

No, all Walmart stores will be closed on Dec. 25, the company told USA TODAY.

Stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Is Costco open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

All Costco warehouse locations will be closed on Christmas.

Warehouses will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve, according to the company's website.

Is Sam's Club open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

All Sam's Club locations will also be closed on Christmas, but stores will be open until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Is Kroger open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

All stores in the Kroger family of companies will be closed on Christmas. They will be open regular hours on Christmas Eve, according to the company.

The Kroger family of stores includes: Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Foods Co, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Gerbes, Jay C Food Store, King Soopers, Kroger, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Pay-Less Super Markets, Pick’n Save, QFC, Ralphs, Ruler, Smith’s Food and Drug.

It is best to check with your local store for more specific information about their holiday hours.

Is Trader Joe's open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

All Trader Joe's stores will be closed on Dec. 25, according to the company's website.

Stores will be open until 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Is Whole Foods open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

No, all Whole Foods stores will be closed on Christmas, the company told USA TODAY.

Stores will be open with limited hours on Christmas Eve. It is best to check with your local store for more specific information about their holiday hours.

December is here:Will there be a white Christmas in 2023? Experts weigh in.

Is Target open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

All Target stores will be closed on Christmas this year.

Most stores will be open until 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve, the company told USA TODAY.

Is Aldi open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

No, Aldi stores will be closed on Dec. 25 this year.

Most stores will be open on Christmas Eve with limited hours. Check with your local store regarding their holiday hours.

Is Publix open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

All Publix stores will be closed on Christmas and stores will close at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve, the company told USA TODAY.

Grocery stores closed on Christmas

All grocery stores below will be closed unless noted otherwise.