Community Market & Garden (CMG)
Claymont Community Market & Garden brings neighbors together to grow, share, and access fresh, nutritious food. Through our food closet and garden, the program addresses food insecurity while nurturing healthy habits, dignity, and community connection.
Open by appointment with both daytime and evening pickup options, the Market provides free groceries—including fresh produce, meat, dairy, and shelf-stable items—to individuals and families who are struggling to afford nutritious food. Some of the produce is even grown onsite in our community garden.
302-792-2757 ext. 147 – BarbaraBoese@ClaymontCenter.org
Who We Serve
Regular access to healthy food is a basic need that many of our neighbors struggle to meet. The Market serves Delaware residents, with priority given to those living in zip codes 19703, 19803, 19809, and 19810.
Distribution Hours:
- Monday: 1:00–3:00 PM
- Tuesday: 1:00–3:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:30 AM–1:30 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
2nd Thursday of each month: 2:00–3:00 PM for Head Start families
Other neighbors: 3:00–6:00 PM
We strive to provide each household with about 3–4 days’ worth of food per visit, depending on available donations and Food Bank of Delaware resources. Items may include proteins, grains, fruits and vegetables, dairy, and personal care products when available.
If you live outside our service area, please call 211 to connect with other local food and financial assistance programs.
Donate Food or Organize a Food Drive
Each year, the Market provides more than 2,000 food visits to over 500 households, helping about 1,200 adults and children meet their nutritional needs. Your support helps us continue this vital work.
Food donations are always needed! We gratefully partner with individuals, schools, churches, and local businesses to collect nonperishable items.
Most needed items:
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Canned vegetables
- Pancake mix and syrup
- Pasta and spaghetti sauce
- Rice and cereal
- Canned meats and fish
- Soups, stews, and chili
Please choose low-sodium, low-sugar, and whole-grain options whenever possible.
Be sure to check expiration dates before donating. Expired food cannot be accepted.
To organize a food drive or coordinate delivery, contact Barbara Boese at 302-792-2757 ext. 111.
Eligibility
Eligibility is based on household income and residence. When you call to schedule an appointment, our staff will explain what documentation to bring and help you determine if you qualify for assistance.
Emergency Food
If you face an unexpected need outside of normal distribution hours, emergency food bags are available weekdays from 9:00 AM–7:00 PM while the Claymont Community Center (3301 Green Street) is open. These bags are intended to help residents manage short-term food emergencies.
Food for Seniors (Age 60+)
The Claymont Community Center is also a distribution site for USDA’s Commodity Food Supplemental Program (CFSP), providing free, nutritious food once per month to Delaware residents aged 60 or older who qualify.
For more information, call 302-792-2757 ext. 147 or contact the Food Bank of Delaware at 302-444-8129.
Donate Money or Gift Cards
Monetary donations and grocery store gift cards help us purchase items in short supply.
Get Involved
Volunteers make this program possible! We welcome help with:
- Picking up donations from local stores
- Sorting food and stocking shelves
- Packing bags for distribution
- Assisting during pickup hours
