Source: La Red
GEORGETOWN, DEL. – (July 16, 2026) La Red Health Center, in partnership with The Harry K Foundation and the Food Bank of Delaware, has launched a new food pantry in Georgetown.
The Harry K Foundation Food Pantry at La Red Health Center had a soft opening in June and has already served more than 58 households with children at La Red’s Georgetown office.
The Food Pantry is the result of the generosity of the Harry K Foundation who previously supported food insecure families at La Red Health Center during the holidays with 100 holiday meal boxes.
After that initial partnership, The Harry K Foundation supported a mobile pantry at La Red’s Georgetown office in the spring where more than 300 households with children were supported in just two hours.
“The Harry K Foundation pantry at La Red could not have come at a better time,” said Rachel E. Hersh, DrPH, President & CEO of La Red Health Center. “Many of the families that we serve at La Red are food insecure, but the need for food is more acute over the summer months because children lose access to free or reduced meals at school. We are thrilled that we can help our patients with children so they do not have to experience hunger.”
Food insecurity among Delaware children is high, according to Feeding America. It’s estimated that 37,680 Delaware children are food insecure, about 18.1% of Delaware’s children. In Sussex County, the child food insecurity rate is higher at 20.2%. Feeding America estimates that about 21% of Sussex County children who are food insecure are not eligible for government food assistance for a variety of reasons.
The Harry K Food Pantry at La Red is open to La Red patients with children who are food insecure with the idea that no child in Sussex County should go hungry.
“We are grateful to the Harry K Foundation and the Food Bank of Delaware for their generous support,” said Dr. Maribel Woodward, MD, Chief Pediatrician at La Red Health Center. “Children cannot thrive if they are hungry. The health of the children we see here at La Red will improve because they now have access to healthy foods from the new pantry.”
The Harry K Foundation has helped feed countless children in Delaware since 2013. The Sussex County nonprofit, led by Harry Keswani, has set up pantries throughout the state, including 17 in Sussex County alone.
“Our mission has always been to alleviate childhood hunger in our state,” said Harry Keswani, president of the Harry K Foundation. “Our partnership with La Red Health Center is helping us achieve that goal. Every child should enjoy their summer break instead of worrying about whether they will have enough to eat. We are glad that we are able to make a difference in the lives of the children served by La Red.”
The Food Bank of Delaware distributed 17 million pounds of food last year through its network of 200 community partners.
“Our work is not possible without strong partners,” said Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO Cathy Kanefsky. “Sadly, too many in our state struggle to put meals on the table. Expanding partnerships with organizations like La Red enable us to meet our neighbors where they are and ensure that food is on the table. Setting up new pantries like this one are only possible thanks to the generosity of the community. Harry Keswani and the Harry K Foundation have been with us every step of the way. They are the epitome of a committed partner.”
La Red Health Center, a federally qualified health center in Sussex County, Del., has provided quality health care for individuals and families since 2001. La Red is committed to ensuring the highest level of care for all individuals and families. La Red offers primary health care, pediatrics, women’s health services, and behavioral health services at its three locations in Milford, Seaford and Georgetown. La Red also offers dental services at its Milford and Georgetown locations. For more information about La Red Health Center visit www.laredhealthcenter.org.
Cutline for the photo Pablo McCallister, Zachary Kellerman, Lisa Gibbs, Rachel Hersh, Laura Annan Glascoe, Michael Glascoe
