The Farmer and The Chef Brings Local Flavors, Community Spirit to Milford

farmer and the cheff

MILFORD, Del. (Sept. 7, 2025) — This week in Milford, the Food Bank of Delaware is setting the table for one of its most anticipated community gatherings: The Farmer and The Chef, scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 11, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at its Milford Branch, 102 Delaware Veterans Blvd.

The annual benefit pairs the artistry of local chefs with the dedication of Delaware farmers, creating a tasting showcase that celebrates the bounty of fresh, locally grown produce. Guests will sample creative small plates, sip drinks, and enjoy live music from Bryan and The Barn Owls—all set against the backdrop of the Food Bank’s own 3.5-acre garden. That setting, organizers say, is more than a venue. It’s a living example of sustainability, innovation, and community-driven agriculture.

Tickets are $75, with a portion tax-deductible. Proceeds directly support hunger-relief efforts statewide.

A Community Celebration with Purpose

Though The Farmer and The Chef promises a night of fun and flavor, its heart is rooted in service. One in eight Delawareans faces food insecurity, and the Food Bank of Delaware provides tens of thousands of meals each year through direct distributions, mobile pantries, and a network of more than 200 community partners.

“The Farmer and The Chef isn’t about crisis—it’s about community,” said Food Bank organizers. “We gather to celebrate food, but also to remind ourselves that hunger is real, and together we can fight it.”

The Food Bank’s Impact in Milford

The Milford branch is a hub of innovation and outreach. In addition to its warehouse and distribution work, it houses culinary and warehousing workforce training programs. These initiatives equip graduates with job-ready skills that often lead to stable employment, helping to break cycles of poverty.

During the pandemic and in the wake of federal food aid cuts, the Milford team mobilized rapidly, spending more than $2.3 million in 2024 to ensure pantries remained stocked. Earlier this year, it launched emergency donation drives to replace canceled USDA food shipments.

Sustainability is also a key focus. A newly installed food digester, built in partnership with Keep Delaware Beautiful and the Delaware Solid Waste Authority, turns food waste into usable energy. Meanwhile, the garden surrounding Thursday’s event not only grows produce for distribution but also serves as an educational tool for volunteers and school groups.

Stories That Inspire

The Food Bank’s mission goes beyond meals. It fosters resilience and community connections. Volunteers like Sue and Rob Patas—who once relied on food assistance themselves—are examples of the organization’s full-circle approach. Their story echoes the Food Bank’s belief that everyone has something to give, whether time, skill, or resources.

Campaigns like Your Neighbor Needs You and Hunger Doesn’t Wait turn that message into action, rallying Delawareans to donate, volunteer, and advocate for systemic solutions.

A Night to Remember

On Sept. 11, guests will not only enjoy the fruits of local labor but also stand in solidarity with neighbors facing food insecurity. With every bite and every ticket sold, the community helps sustain an organization that is, in many ways, a lifeline.

“Events like this remind us that solving hunger isn’t about charity—it’s about partnership,” organizers said. “Farmers, chefs, volunteers, donors, and families all play a part.”

Tickets for The Farmer and The Chef remain available through the Food Bank of Delaware’s website.