Ray Sander, President of the Delaware Botanic Gardens (DBG) announced that DBG is committed helping the Sussex community, our nonprofit cohorts at the Food Bank and especially those confronting food insecurities.

DBG will continue its Mother’s Day tradition of Free Admission with a food donation for Food Bank of Delaware. Sander noted, “Over the last two Mother’s Day Food drives our visitors have donated 3,000-pounds of food which we delivered to the Food Bank. On Sunday, May 11, celebrate Mother’s Day with a Free Admission with the food donation. DBG Members and Children 16 and under are always free but we urge you to bring a food donation to help the Food Bank and our most vulnerable residents.”

Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director said, “Digging is intrinsic to gardens. We ask you to dig deeper and bring the essential food which is so urgently needed. Celebrate Mother’s Day by giving to the Sussex community and to your mother by visiting DBG on May 11. You can give your mother a Gift DBG membership to, she can celebrate all year long. Gift Memberships are available at the Garden or online at  www.delawaregardens.org.”

Stephen Pryce Lea, DBG Deputy Executive Director for Horticulture, said, “May blooms invite you to experience the great outdoors, unfurling ferns, and delicate flowers. Enjoy a color-filled palette of late spring perennials in our Piet Oudolf Meadow. We see smiles from our guests as they enjoy this unique shoreline garden with family and friends. Also, we have native plants on sale in May including: annuals, and perennials. Enjoy this special day, engaging with nature. It will free your spirit.”

Cathy Kanefsky, President and CEO of the Food Bank of Delaware said “One in eight Delawareans is food insecure. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has halted scheduled shipments of vital food aid, as rising food prices and persistent economic hardships continue to drive demand for our services. Thank you DBG for your continued support.”

Food Bank Most Needed Items are High Fiber, Low Sugar, Low Sodium. Canned Fruits in light syrup or in own juices; Hot or Cold Cereal, Oatmeal, Cheerios, Corn Flakes, Raisin Bran, 100% whole-grain or whole grain as first ingredient; Canned Meat, Tuna, Salmon, Chicken; Peanut Butter, low sodium; Grains, Brown and White Rice Pasta, Macaroni & Cheese, whole gain if possible: Canned & Dried Beans, low-sodium, no salt added; Canned Vegetables, low sodium, no salt added;100% Fruit/Vegetable Juice, all sizes, including Juice Boxes, Healthy Snacks, Raisins, Granola Bars.

The Delaware Botanic Gardens are open to the public, Thursday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and located at 30220 Piney Neck Road, Dagsboro, DE 19939. Go to www.delawaregardens.org.

The mission of the Delaware Botanic Gardens is to create a world-class, inspirational, educational, and sustainable public botanic garden in southern Delaware for the benefit and enjoyment of all.