Food Bank, Perdue and Harry K Foundation team up to deliver holiday meals

In an effort to help deliver a happy Thanksgiving for needy families in Kent and Sussex counties, the Food Bank of Delaware, Perdue Farms and the Harry K Foundation have once again teamed up for the annual Thanksgiving For All initiative.

On Nov. 15, boxes of meals, including a chicken roaster and all the fixings, were sent out in vans to schools across Delaware. From there, the meal boxes will be picked up by pre-identified families in danger of missing out on a Thanksgiving meal.

Perdue, the Food Bank and the Harry K Foundation have been doing Thanksgiving and Christmas meal box distributions for the last three years. For Food Bank President and CEO Cathy Kanefsky, the initiative remains both a humbling and challenging experience.

“The fact that we can do this is heartwarming. The fact that we have to keep doing it is heartbreaking. We’re seeing more people than ever, almost more than during the pandemic, that need us now,” she said.

Kanefsky said between the rising costs of gas and food, even people who are working more than one job are having a hard time making ends meet.

“It’s a sad thing to see people try their hardest and not be able to provide for their families. That’s where we come in, and if we can help, we’re helping,” she said. 

In October alone, the Food Bank helped deliver more than 1 million pounds of food to needy families. 

On the endurance of the partnership, Kanefsky said, “I think when you get organizations with like-minded hearts and like-minded people, it's easy to partner. We’re all better because of each other.”

Bill See, spokesman for Perdue Farms, said, “As a food company, hunger relief is one of our key pillars, and here in our backyard in Kent and Sussex counties the need is tremendous, especially after the pandemic. We’re just thrilled to be a part of this and try to make a difference for families.”