FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | July 17, 2026
Contact: Joe Edelen (302) 743-7013
WILMINGTON – Senator Darius Brown presented First State Youth with a $12,500 Delaware Grocery Initiative grant award on Thursday, supporting the organization’s mobile food and hydration distribution initiative throughout the City of Wilmington.
First State Youth was one of 28 organizations that received funds for the Delaware Grocery Initiative’s Spring 2026 cycle, which saw $712,500 distributed to organizations striving to improve access to healthy foods and support areas that are food insecure or at risk of becoming a food desert.
“When our children have access to nutritious food and hydration, it helps them stay healthy, focused, and better equipped to make positive decisions. That is precisely the mission of First State Youth, which makes an impact each and every day throughout the City of Wilmington,” said Senator Darius Brown. “Thank you to First State Youth for being a leader in our community, and to all Delaware Grocery Initiative recipients for their work to improve food access and the overall well-being of our neighbors.”
First State Youth is a mobile resource organization that does not operate out of a single-site shelter or pantry. Instead, the organization meets the community directly with a focus on wellness, food security, and hydration.
As part of their efforts, First State Youth provides public park hydration and snack stations at Brown/Burton/Winchester Park, H. Fletcher Brown Park, and One Love Park; water and ice to youth and families at the Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Aquatic Center.; and fresh fruit distribution sites throughout the community.
Senator Brown will present Delaware Grocery Initiative grants to the following recipients in the coming week:
Monday, July 20
WHO: Bright Spot Ventures
WHEN: 1 p.m.
WHERE: 1901 N. Dupont Highway, New Castle, DE 19720
Tuesday July 21
WHO: REACH Riverside
WHEN: 3 p.m.
WHERE: 1121 Thatcher Street, Wilmington, DE 19802
Wednesday, July 22
WHO: FLOW
WHEN: 11 a.m.
WHERE: 26 Karlyn Dr, New Castle Delaware 19720
Members of the media interested in attending the remaining grant presentations should contact Joe Edelen at joseph.edelen@delaware.gov for more details.
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