FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5/1/2009

Contact: Alison Keeling 302-573-3731 akeeling@uwde.org

DELAWARE DOES MORE – AGAIN! SUMMER-LONG PROGRAM TO RAISE FOOD AND FUNDS TAPS INTO VEGETABLE GROWING SEASON

Dover, Del. (May 1, 2009) — A massive statewide collaboration began today to raise one million pounds of fresh produce and donated food, and $150,000 to assist struggling Delawareans with the costs of shelter and utilities.

Delaware Does More – Growing Food and Funds for Neighbors in Need kicked off today at the Delaware Agricultural Museum in Dover, and will continue until October 1, 2009. The program builds on the strong response to this past winter’s “Delaware Does More,” and was initiated because of continuing statewide demand for emergency resources. The program will be administered by United Way of Delaware and the Food Bank of Delaware.

To collect one million pounds of food, the focus is on fresh produce, gleaned crops, and rescued restaurant food. Delaware Does More is encouraging gardeners to plant an extra row of vegetables in their garden, farmers to allow Food Bank volunteers to glean their fields, and restaurant and food service professionals to allow the Food Bank to pick up their leftover prepared food. The Food Bank of Delaware will make these donations available to food pantries in all three counties.

Patricia Beebe, President & CEO of the Food Bank of Delaware, said that the need is immediate, and that everyone is able to help.

“Families are being forced to choose between buying groceries and paying their monthly bills,” she says. “That’s not a decision that anyone should have to make. There are many ways to collect food, that don’t cost much money or take much effort, and that can really help a family in need,” she said. “Plant another row in your garden. Allow someone to collect produce or prepared food that would otherwise be wasted. Grab a few extra items at the grocery story. All of these efforts are simple, but could truly make a difference.”

Monetary donations to Delaware Does More will assist those who are struggling to meet their shelter or utility needs. Participating social service agencies throughout the state will use these donations to give one-time monetary gifts for immediate expenses including rent, mortgage, or utility costs.

“In this economy, many families are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and to keep the electricity on while they get back on their feet,” says Michelle A. Taylor, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Delaware. “Almost everyone knows someone who needs help as a result of this economic downturn. Delawareans responded quickly and generously to last winter’s Delaware Does More appeal, and we are hoping they will step up again this summer.”

To meet its goals, Delaware Does More is partnering with the Delaware Department of Agriculture, 4H, Future Farmers of America, the University of Delaware, the Delaware Restaurant Association, the agribusiness community, the faith-based community, and many other organizations, businesses, and community groups.

Delaware Does More thanks Bank of America for its generous $25,000 donation and Fifer Orchards in Wyoming for its donation of fresh produce.

For more information and to donate funds, go to www.uwde.org or call (302) 573-3762. To donate food or run a food drive, contact the Food Bank of Delaware at (302) 292-1305 ext. 211.