Delaware State Police collecting food for Food Bank of Delaware

The Delaware State Police are hosting a community-wide food drive to benefit the Food Bank of Delaware through Dec. 19.

Collection barrels for non-perishable donations are located at Delaware State Police Troop locations statewide. DSP says those donations will then go towards stocking the Food Bank of Delaware’s pantry this holiday season.

“We are very proud and thankful to join forces with the Food Bank of Delaware in an effort to help those challenged in these economic times,” said the Director of the DSP Public Information Office, Sergeant Paul G. Shavack.  “Our Troopers often get to see Delawareans struggling with hunger during the course of their normal duties, and this is what motivates us to partner with the Food Bank of Delaware, making sure that these struggling families can enjoy meals during this holiday season.”

The Food Bank of Delaware says it distributes between seven and 10 million pounds of food and groceries every year through the organization’s hunger-relief programs.

“We continue to be thankful of the outpouring of support from the Delaware State Police,” said Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO Patricia Beebe. “The Delaware State Police department is a valuable supporter. With close to 242,000 Delawareans struggling with hunger each year, the help of our community is needed now more than ever.”

The Food Bank of Delaware says it needs the following items:

Hot and cold cereals
Instant or shelf-stable milk
Fruit juice
Canned meats: ham, tuna, spam, Vienna sausage, corned beef, turkey and chicken
Peanut butter and jelly
Pork and beans, re-fried beans, beans and rice
Canned soups and stew
Kidney, pinto, lima, black beans (dry) and green beans
Mixed vegetables, corn, carrots, peas and other canned vegetables
Long-grain rice and rice mixes
Pasta, macaroni and cheese and instant potatoes
Applesauce, pineapple, peaches, apricots, pears, mixed fruit and other canned fruits
Baking mixes for pancakes, waffles, muffins and cakes
Spaghetti sauce 

Holiday Items:

Canned sweet potatoes
Canned gravy
Cranberry sauce
Stuffing mix

Supplemental items:

Adobo seasoning
Coffee
Tea
Hot cocoa mix
Evaporated milk
Cooking oil
Condiments; ketchup, mustard, and syrup

Nonfoods:

Diapers and wipes
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Shampoo
Conditioner
Bar soap
Paper products such as towels, plates, napkins, tissues and toilet paper
Plastic utensils