Grocery Stores

Grocery stores are open; they are exempt from Governor Carney’s closing of nonessential businesses issued March 22, 2020. Many have special shopping hours for seniors and other vulnerable populations and/or have adjusted their store hours. More information available at the Delaware Food Industry Council’s website.

Grocery stores with adjusted hours and dedicated shopping for elderly or those who are immunocompromised

ACME

• Special: 7 a.m.-9 a.m. Monday-Friday for elderly, pregnant women and immunocompromised persons
• Adjusted: Individual stores may have changed overall hours

Aldi

• Special: No senior shopping hours
• Adjusted: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. to allow for restocking and cleaning stores
• Note: Individual stores may have more limited hours or be closed entirely

BJ’s

• Special: 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. daily senior shopping

Costco

• Special: 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for senior shopping

Food Lion

• Special: 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. on Monday and Wednesday for senior shopping
• Adjusted: Individual stores may alter hours

The Fresh Market

• Special: 8 a.m.-9 a.m. Monday-Friday for senior and vulnerable populations

Giant

• Special: 6-7 a.m. for senior shopping

Janssen’s Market

• Special: Seniors, first responders, vulnerable groups and caregivers can call 302-654-9941 to place orders and it will be delivered to you curbside

Lidl

• Adjusted: Hours are 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. to allow for restocking and cleaning

Produce Junction

• Phone orders: Call 302-674-3080 at 7 a.m. and place an order to pick up

Redner’s

• Adjusted: Hours are 6 a.m.-9 p.m. to allow for restocking and cleaning

Safeway

• Special: 7 a.m.- 9.am. Monday-Friday for elderly, pregnant women and immunocompromised persons
• Adjusted: Individual stores may alter overall hours

Shop Rite

• Special: 6 a.m.-7 a.m. daily senior shopping
• Adjusted: Shop at home delivery service; curbside pick-up

Target

• Special: First hour each Wednesday for seniors and vulnerable populations
• Adjusted: Closing by 9 p.m. daily (or earlier for certain stores) to allow for restocking and cleaning

Walmart

• Adjusted: 6 a.m.-11p.m. hours for 24-hour stores to allow for cleaning and restocking

Weis Markets

• Special: No senior shopping hour
• Adjusted: 7 a.m.- 9 p.m. new store hours
• Note: Discontinued online ordering with curbside pick-up

Zingo’s Supermarket

• Special: 6 a.m.-7 a.m. daily for senior shopping

Share this video on grocery store special hours for vulnerable people (updated March 20, 2020)

Food Assistance

Programs like Meals on Wheels, Delaware 2-1-1, and General Assistance continue to operate

Meals on Wheels

Continues to serve hot, nutritious meals to vulnerable Delawareans.

Delaware 2-1-1

United Way’s Delaware 2-1-1 hotline and website provides links to critical services, including food needs
Contact: Dial 2-1-1 or dial 1-800-560-3372; text your Zip code to 898-211

Division of Social Services

Food Supplement Program (SNAP) – Apply online for Delaware’s Food Supplement Program using the DHSS Assist website. Learn more on the Division of Social Services’ website.
Contact: 1-866-843-7212

Student Meal Programs

Find local student meal sites throughout the state, offering meals for students.

Delaware Department of Education

• Department of Education Resources
• Student Meal Sites in Delaware 
• Student Meal Sites in Delaware – Spanish
• Student Meal Sites in Delaware – Haitian Creole

Housing

Resources for Homeowners

If you are having difficulty making a mortgage payment, you are encouraged to be proactive and reach out to your mortgage servicer for assistance and guidance as soon as possible. Explain the situation and ask if they can provide information on relief options that may be available to you.

For additional information on assistance for homeowners during this time, visit https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/guide-coronavirus-mortgage-relief-options/.

Resources for Renters

Due to overwhelming response, Delaware State Housing Authority is temporarily pausing application submissions for the Delaware Housing Assistance Program (DE HAP) as of April 24, 2020. Renters who are having difficulty paying their rent due to the COVID-19 crisis, should contact Delaware 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting www.delaware211.org.

Effective March 25, Governor John Carney placed a moratorium on evictions, late fees and utility shutoffs until the State of Emergency is lifted. However, the moratorium does not relieve tenants of their obligation to pay rent, and any tenants who know they will not be able to pay their rent need to be in contact with their landlord as soon as possible to discuss their options.

Tenants who are being threatened with eviction by their landlords during the pandemic should contact the Delaware Legal Help Link at https://delegalhelplink.org/ or the Delaware Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) at http://www.declasi.org/ for assistance.

Personal Finance

Governor Carney’s sixth modification to his State of Emergency declaration:

• Prevents landlords from evicting Delawareans from their homes during this crisis.
• Prevents landlords from charging late fees or interest during the State of Emergency.
• Prevents lenders from commencing foreclosures during this period. Residential mortgage foreclosures that began prior to Governor Carney’s State of Emergency declaration will not move forward until the 31st day following the termination of the Governor’s emergency declaration, at the earliest.
• Prevents residential utility service companies from terminating service or charging fees for late payments for services.

Find tips for Personal and Business Finance from the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.

Volunteer and Donate

United Way of Delaware

United Way has launched a host of initiatives to help those in need:

United Way Volunteer Portal: Helps coordinate outreach and resources to those in need. Also find volunteer opportunities such as food distribution

Delaware Does More: COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund: Raising funds to address immediate needs

Delaware 2-1-1: Provides links to critical services, from housing and shelter information to transportation resources. Contact: 2-1-1 or 1-800-560-3372; text your Zip code to 898-211

Blood Donations

Whole blood, plasma and double red cell donations are critical right now. To help:

Blood Bank of Delaware

Social distancing and other precautions are being taken to ensure donor, staff and volunteer safety. If you are healthy and able to donate, make an appointment online.

American Red Cross of Delmarva

Daily blood drive from 1-7 p.m. at Brandywine Town Center Community Building, 4050 Brandywine Parkway, Wilmington. Social distancing and other precautions are being taken to ensure donor, staff and volunteer safety. If you are healthy and able to donate, make an appointment online (use sponsor code “Brandywine”).

Volunteer Opportunities

Crisis Services

These adult behavioral health and child services are 24/7:

Adult Protective Services

1-800-223-9074

Addiction and Mental Health Mobile Crisis Hotline

Northern Delaware: 1-800-652-2929
Southern Delaware: 1-800-345-6785

Help Is Here Delaware

New Castle County: 800-652-2929
Kent and Sussex Counties: 800-345-6785

Report Child Abuse and Neglect

Call 1-800-292-9582 or report online at iseethesigns.org

Child Priority Response Hotline (mental health or substance abuse)

1-800-969-4357

You can also text DE to the number 741741.

Domestic Violence

CHILD Inc.’s Domestic Violence Program

New Castle County
English Only
302-762-6110

The SAFE Program at People’s Place II

Kent & Sussex Counties
Bilingual English / Spanish
302-422-8058

Abriendo Puertas Bilingual Hotline

Sussex County
Bilingual English / Spanish
302-745-9874

Dover Air Force Base, Family Advocacy Program

302-677-2711
Limited to those receiving military medical benefits and their dependents.

Delaware 24-hour Child Mental Health Mobile Crisis (under age 18)

800-969-4357
Crisis Text Line: Text DE to 741741
Child Priority Response services are available to any child physically present in the state who is under the age of 18 and is determined to be “at imminent danger to self or others as a result of a mental health or substance abuse disorder”

Delaware State Police Victim Services

Toll Free Hotline: 1-800-VICTIM-1
The Victim Service staff is prepared to assist victims, witnesses and families.

Medical Volunteers

Delaware Medical Reserve Corps

All medical personnel — including out-of-state, retired, or inactive — who wish to volunteer to assist Delaware’s response to COVID-19 should sign up through the Delaware Medical Reserve Corps (DMRC). Go to the ServDE link – which is the State’s emergency response database-and create a profile. You will be contacted by a DMRC representative. Providing complete contact and license information will expedite verifying your credentials. Questions can be directed to dmrc@delaware.gov.

Seniors and People with Disabilities

Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center

Provides information and resources for seniors, adults with physical disabilities and their families. Visit their website or contact by phone: 1-800-223-9074

Unemployment Benefits

Delaware Division of Unemployment Insurance

Delawareans can file for unemployment benefits online.
For questions contact: uiclaims@delaware.gov or 302-761-8446

Funerals

During this unprecedented coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, funeral establishments must comply with Governor Carney’s emergency declaration, as well as all guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Public Health. Funeral establishments are required to:

• Follow routine infection prevention, especially when coming into contact with a decedent with confirmed or suspected COVID-19;
• Practice use of standard precautions and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE);
• Perform routine environmental cleaning;
• Prohibit gatherings of ten (10) or more people, under the State of Emergency, until May 15, 2020 or the public health threat of COVID-19 has been eliminated (this includes the officiant and any other non-family members present during memorial services); and,
• Advise funeral attendees of CDC guidance, such as encouraging those who are ill, and or at-risk (i.e. elderly and those who are immune-compromised), to stay home and following healthy habits such as social distancing, hand hygiene, covering cough and sneezes, etc.
• In addition, the following guidance should be used to respectfully and compassionately care for the decedents during this distressing time:
  • COVID-19 Guidance on Management of the Deceased (April 13, 2020)

Other Services

Internet Options

Comcast has increased access to Internet Essentials. Read more about the initiative and qualifications here. To sign up visit the Internet Essentials website or call 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.

Amish Community

COVID-19 Guidance for Delaware’s Amish Communities (updated 3/30/20)

For Non Profits

The Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement has resources for nonprofits on their website.

For Churches

Guidance for faith-based organizations.