DOVER — In response to the ongoing federal shutdown and the halt of SNAP benefits, Senator Darius Brown and House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown partnered with the YMCA of Delaware, the Smart Food Foundation, r4 Technologies, and Sharing Excess to host two food distributions events on Thursday, November 6. These events mark the latest in a series of local initiatives aimed at addressing food insecurity during the ongoing emergency.
During a press conference held at the Walnut Street YMCA, Senator Brown and Speaker Minor-Brown were joined by community partners, local leaders, and advocates to raise awareness about the urgent challenges facing Delaware families who rely on nutrition assistance. The event highlighted the growing need for community-based support and collaboration, while calling on both state and federal leaders to strengthen food access programs.
“Delaware families shouldn’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from because of political games in Washington,” said Senator Darius Brown. “In times of crisis, it is imperative the community band together to help our neighbors. We are stepping up to ensure no child, senior citizen, or working parent goes hungry. During these times of economic hardship we must practice compassion and empathy if we are to persevere – and those are the principles at the core of the Wilmington community.”
Following the press conference, volunteers and community partners distributed fresh produce, pantry staples, and nutritious food items to Delaware families at both the Walnut Street YMCA and the Bear-Glasgow YMCA. The events seek to ensure working families, seniors, and children continue to have access to essential resources during the national food benefits crisis, embodying Delaware’s strong spirit of community and compassion for others during this period of heightened economic uncertainty.
“Thanks to our community partners, we delivered 10,000 pounds of fresh food to Delaware families, but what we were really delivering was hope,” said House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown. “Right now, parents are stretching every dollar, seniors are skipping meals to afford medicine, and kids are going to school hungry. Even if Washington acts tomorrow, the impact will last for months. Today, we met people where they were and made sure our government never lost sight of its purpose— to protect and support our most vulnerable neighbors.”
Delaware is currently in a State of Emergency as threats to SNAP benefits continue during the federal government shutdown. There are more than 120,000 residents in Delaware that rely on SNAP to feed them and their families – leading to large-scale food insecurity.
The federal shutdown has resulted in unprecedented pressure on state governments to step in and ensure that families do not go hungry. State lawmakers are working in collaboration with community non-profit organizations to fill the gaps.
Jarrett Royster, President and CEO of the YMCA of Delaware pledged their facilities to host these drives as a cornerstone of their communities. “At the Y, we know that access to healthy food isn’t a luxury — it’s fundamental to helping families grow stronger and communities thrive. That’s why we’re honored to stand alongside Senator Darius Brown, Speaker Mimi Minor-Brown, and R4 in providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the neighbors who need them most. We are responding to an urgent need in our community — and doing what must be done to ensure families have what they need to live healthier lives.”
“For too many families across Delaware, access to nutritious food remains an everyday challenge,” said Paul Breitenbach, Founder and CEO of r4 Technologies. “At r4, we’re proud to partner with House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown and Senator Darius Brown, along with Sharing Excess, to help change that. Together with the Smart Food Foundation, we’re working to provide healthy food for those who need it most. r4 is proud to donate surplus food that will feed deserving families.”
Sharing Excess CEO Evan Ehlers said, “While we face a growing crisis of food access, the U.S. continues to waste nearly 40% of its food supply, throwing away ten times more food than we need to feed everyone. At Sharing Excess, we’re committed to redirecting that surplus to communities in need, and we’re thrilled to partner with House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown and Senator Darius Brown, along with r4 Technologies to make a meaningful difference for families across Delaware during a critical time of need.”
###
