People’s Pantry

The People’s Pantry at YWCA Delaware is a source of dignity, choice, and community.

YWCA Delaware’s People’s Pantry, located at our Home-Life Management Center, 709 N. Madison Street, Wilmington, DE, offers fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen poultry and fish, cereals, nuts, cheeses, preserves, and more while supplies last. Families may choose their own items, promoting dignity and independence. Educational resources, including healthy recipes and guidance on growing herbs and vegetables are also provided. 

YWCA Delaware partners with the Food Bank of Delaware, Delaware First Health, the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce, local churches, and local Black farmers to ensure shelves remain stocked. The New Beginnings Garden program complements the pantry, with volunteers maintaining the garden and harvesting fresh produce for pantry distribution.

We welcome the public to visit and select their own items at the following times (no appointment necessary):
 • Tuesdays and Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Thursdays: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Interested in Donating Food to Our Pantry? We’re Accepting the Following Items:

Volunteer

Volunteers are essential to making these pantry hours possible. Whether you can give a few hours a month or lend a hand regularly, your time makes a difference. With your help, we can ensure that families across Wilmington have access to healthy, nourishing food in a welcoming environment. Ready to get involved? Complete the form below, and a member of our team will contact you with upcoming volunteer opportunities.

  • Greeting and signing in pantry visitors

  • Sorting and restocking shelves

  • Assisting clients as they shop for items

  • Organizing food donations and deliveries

  • Packing emergency food bags

  • Keeping the pantry clean and welcoming

  • Helping with outreach or food drives

  • Helping to maintain our New Beginnings Garden

Volunteer Form

  • Grocery Gift Cards (Costco, Shoprite, Food Lion, Acme, Sprouts Farmers Market)

  • Fresh fruits and veggies

  • Shelf-stable milk (regular, almond, oat, or lactose-free)

  • Cereal or oatmeal

  • Cooking oil (vegetable, olive, canola)

  • Dry beans or lentils

  • Instant mashed potatoes or stuffing mix

  • Baby food or formula (unopened)

  • Shelf-stable protein (tuna/chicken pouches, tofu boxes, etc.)

  • Low Sugar Healthy Snacks for kids (granola bars, fruit cups, applesauce pouches)

  • Spices, salt, pepper, and basic seasonings