Catholic Charities is seeking contributions of nonperishable foods in order to meet the increased demand of its charitable food programs.
The food drive begins Monday, June 1 and ends June 30. Donors can drop off food and grocery store gift cards at Catholic Charities locations during regular business hours, or at designated diocesan churches.
“Economic recovery for many of our neighbors is still slow, and Catholic Charities food distribution programs continue to see increased demand for help,” Catholic Charities Executive Director Richelle Vible said. “Over the last two years, our communities have donated over 20,000 pounds of food. Unfortunately, Catholic Charities distributes that much food in one month."
Catholic Charities coordinates food cooperative programs at Bayard House in Wilmington, at Casa San Francisco in Milton and at Seton Center in Princess Anne, Maryland. The food cooperatives make monthly distributions of food to qualified participants, along with information about shopping on a budget, menu planning and nutrition.
Local residents can find out if they qualify for the food cooperative program in their area by calling Bayard House at 302-654-1184, Casa San Francisco at 302-684-8694 or Seton Center at 410-651-9608.
Casa San Francisco and Seton Center also operate emergency food pantries for those in crisis who have no food.
In addition to nonperishable food and grocery store gift cards, Catholic Charities will also accept monetary donations in order to purchase additional food to fill bags for the food distribution programs. To make an online monetary donation, visit Catholic Charities’ secure donation site, www.cdow.org/ccdonation.html.
Suggested items for donation include nonperishable and shelf stable items. Catholic Charities needs the following items:
• Canned goods like spaghetti, chicken, chili, tuna, salmon, beef stew, corned beef hash, beans, soups, vegetables, and fruit • boxes of pasta, macaroni and cheese, cracke
rs, cereal, oatmeal, and pancake mix
• Jars of peanut butter and jelly
• Juice, coffee, tea, hot cocoa mix, instant breakfasts
• Shelf-stable milk - either dry or evaporated
• Baby food and cereal
• Condiments like spreads, ketchup, mustard, relish, barbecue sauce, pickles and syrup
