Delaware families with a child under the age of one can now receive multiple, free 28.2 oz canisters of Care A2+ infant formula.    

 

WILMINGTON, Del. — Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, in partnership with state and community partners, has announced the expansion of Delaware’s free infant formula initiative. Delaware families with children under the age of one can now receive multiple canisters of Care A2+ infant formula, a brand similar to Similac. Canisters continue to be available for pick up at distribution sites across the state thanks to leadership and coordination from the Food Bank of Delaware. To view a full list of sites, visit Lt. Governor Hall-Long’s website.  

 

“Families are grappling with a lot of stressors these days, and for many the rising cost of living is make or break. Our initiative to provide free infant formula is just one way to take the pressure off of family budgets and relieves the worry about what comes next,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “I want to remind families that they can visit one of the public distribution sites across the state to pick up free 28.2 oz Care A2+ infant formula cans. We are so grateful for the community partners, state leaders, and businesses who have stepped up to make this resource available for families – it shows how a small state can make a big impact.”  

 

“This infant formula is available today for Delaware families that need it the most. I encourage families to seek out a distribution site,” said Governor John Carney. “I want to thank Lt. Governor Hall-Long and all of our partners for their continued hard work and dedication to Delaware families.” 

 

The initiative, which kicked off in February 2023, was made possible due to the collaboration of the Lt. Governor’s Office, Governor Carney, Donate Delaware, Highmark Delaware, Bank of America, Genesco Pharma, Delaware Division of Public Health, Food Bank of Delaware and countless community partners. As a result, the state in partnership with Donate Delaware purchased 44,000 canisters of Care infant formula from Genesco Pharma. The Division of Public Health selected Care A2+ because of the similar ingredients to Similac, a widely-used formula brand in the United States.   

 

“In July of last year, the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Care A2+ Infant Formula for use in the United States to assist in addressing the infant formula shortage.  Care A2+ is equivalent to US produced cow milk formulas, providing similar nutritional standards. The distribution of free canisters of formula is a benefit to Delawareans in need of supplying their child under the age of one, with a formula that will meet their dietary needs,” said Dr. Judith Gorra, a pediatrician with Delaware’s Division of Public Health.   

 

Delaware families with a child under the age of one are eligible to receive 28.2 oz canisters of Care A2+ infant formula while supplies last. One 28.2 oz canister will provide around 21.5 eight-fluid-ounce bottles – that is more than 20 baby bottles. Health experts expect that one canister of Care A2+ infant formula will last a few weeks depending on the age of the child. It is important to follow the directions on the label for your child, and do not water down formula. The batches of formula will expire in October 2024 and December 2024. If you have questions about formula use, please contact your pediatrician and visit the FDA’s website. Click here to learn more about the formula.   

 

“Donate Delaware and its partners are excited about this opportunity to provide infant formula to those mothers and families throughout the State who cannot afford or have a hard time finding it due to limited supplies,” said Dr. Robert Andrzejewski, CEO of Donate Delaware. “Donate Delaware wants to thank Governor Carney, Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long, and their teams for allowing us to work on their behalf to distribute this infant formula statewide. We also want to thank Bank of America, Chip Rossi and Lanette Taylor-Sherman; the Food Bank of Delaware, Cathy Kanefsky and Trevor Turner; Daniel Nalley, Dr. Paul Zimmerman, and the Gensco Pharma team for their generous support.” 

 

“On behalf of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware and Highmark Health Options, we are grateful for the efforts of the Lt. Governor’s Office and all the community and business organizations that have responded to the need for baby formula to ensure the health and wellbeing of our youngest Delawareans and their families,” said Nick Moriello, president of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware. 

 

“The State of Delaware and Donate Delaware are doing critical work to supply infant formula to Delawareans who need it most,” said Chip Rossi, President, Bank of America Delaware. “We know the formula shortage is having an ongoing effect on Delaware families, and by partnering with the State and Donate Delaware, we can help ensure our community is supported.” 

 

Distribution sites, which are located in high-needs areas, are listed on the Lt. Governor’s website and below. These sites were identified by using data from the Division of Public Health’s Healthy Women, Healthy Babies program, which works to address health disparities and other factors that affect women’s health and birth outcomes in Delaware. Organizations interested in collaborating on infant formula distribution events should reach out to jennifer.rini@delaware.gov   

 

“We know that high costs associated with inflation are impacting so many families here in the First State,” said Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO Cathy Kanefsky. “We hope this high-quality formula will help ease monthly budgets so Delaware families can purchase other essential items.”   L

 

New Castle County Locations 

Boys & Girls Club – Darley Road 

500 Darley Road, Wilmington, DE 19805 

Monday – Friday 7am-6pm 

Canaan Baptist Church 

3011 New Castle Ave, New Castle, DE 19720 

Monday-Friday: 5pm-8pm 

Saturday: 9am-1pm 

Clarence Fraim Boys & Girls Club 

669 S. Union Street, Wilmington, DE 19805 

Monday – Friday 7am-6pm 

Delaware Regional Dream Center 

310 Ruthar Drive, Suite 11, Newark, DE 19711 

Friday: 10am-3pm 

Food Bank of Delaware 

222 Lake Drive Newark, DE 19702 (Please enter through back entrance near the loading docks. Park in the spots near the loading dock and someone will come out to your vehicle) 

Monday-Wednesday: 9am-4pm 

Thursday: 9am-6pm 

Friday: 9am-12pm 

Second Saturday of the Month: 9am – 1pm 

Greater Newark Boys & Girls Club 

109 Glasgow Drive, Newark, DE 19702 

Monday – Friday 7am-6pm 

Henrietta Johnson Medical Center 

601 New Castle Ave, Wilmington, DE, 19801 

Monday-Friday: 8am-4:30pm 

Nemours- Jessup Street 

1602 N. Jessup St. Wilmington, DE 19802 

Monday: 1pm-4pm 

Tuesday: 9am-11:30am 

Wednesday:1pm-4pm 

Thursday: 9am-11:30am 

Friday: 9am-11:30am 

New Castle Boys & Girls Club 

19 Lambson Lane, New Castle, DE 19720 

Monday – Friday 7am-6pm 

Rose Hill Community Center 

19 Lambson Lane, New Castle, DE 19720 

Monday & Tuesday: 5pm-8pm 

Saturday: 9am-1pm 

St. Stephen’s Food Pantry 

1301 N Broom Street, Wilmington, DE 19806 

Monday-Tuesday: 9am-12pm 

Wednesday: 5pm-7pm 

Thursday-Friday: 9am-12pm 

Westside Family Healthcare- 4th Street 

1802 4th Street, Wilmington, DE 19805 

Monday: 8am-9pm 

Tuesday: 8am-5pm 

Wednesday: 8am-5pm 

Thursday: 8am-12pm, 5pm-9pm 

Friday: 8am-5pm 

Westside Family Healthcare- Bear 

404 Fox Hunt Drive, Bear, DE 19701 

Monday: 8am-9pm 

Tuesday: 8am-5pm 

Wednesday: 8am-5pm 

Thursday: 8am-12pm, 5pm-9pm 

Friday: 8am-5pm 

 

Kent County Locations 

Food Bank of Delaware- Milford 

140 Mullet Run (the building is behind 120 Mullet Run) Unit E Milford, DE 19963 

Monday – Thursday: 9am – 4pm 

Third Tuesday: 9am – 6pm 

Friday: 9am – 12pm 

First Saturday of the Month: 9am – 1pm 

Milford Boys & Girls Club 

101 Delaware Veterans Boulevard, Milford, DE 19963 

Monday – Friday 7-am-6pm 

Smyrna Clayton Boys & Girls Club 

240 E. Commerce Street, Smyrna, DE 19977 

Monday – Friday 7am-6pm 

 

Sussex County Locations 

Boys & Girls Club– The Growing Tree Preschool 

32615 Oak Orchard Road, Unit 3, Millsboro, DE, 19966 

Monday – Friday 7am-6pm 

Dagsboro Boys & Girls Club 

28154 Lighthouse Crossing, Unit 2, Dagsboro, DE 19939 

Monday – Friday 7am-6pm 

First State Community Action 

308 N. Railroad Ave, Georgetown, DE 19947 

Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm 

Western Sussex Boys & Girls Club 

310 Virginia Avenue, Seaford, DE 19973 

Monday – Friday 7am-6pm 

Local independent pharmacy to administer important immunizations

Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro, in collaboration with Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long and Kevin Musto, R.Ph., FAPhA, independent pharmacist with Atlantic Apothecary, has announced a COVID Vaccination and Flu Shot Clinic on Thursday, November 18 from 1:00 to 4:00PM at the Delaware Department of Insurance’s Dover Office, 1351 West North Street. Weather permitting, the event will take place outdoors.

“Both the COVID-19 vaccines and the flu shot are safe and effective, and I’m proud to be able to offer them at our Dover office. Each are vital in helping to avoid significant illness, including hospitalization and death, and can be received during the same visit – including at our November 18 event,” said Commissioner Navarro, who will be getting his next dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the event.

All three types of COVID-19 vaccines – Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer – will be available. Pfizer will be provided to eligible residents 5 years and older, Moderna is available for those 12 and older, and Johnson & Johnson for those 18 and older. All levels of vaccination will be offered, including first, second, third and booster doses. Flu shots are available and recommended for those 6 months and older. High-dose flu shots for those 65+ will also be administered at no charge with a Medicare card. Minors must have a guardian’s consent to receive their immunization.

Residents should bring their photo ID or other identification, insurance information or Medicare card, and their prescription or pharmacy card if applicable. Those who have previously received a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine should bring their vaccine card or other documentation if possible. Vaccinations records can be obtained via the DelVAX system. For a faster registration, flu shot recipients can download and complete their Influenza Fluzone form in advance. There is a separate Influenza Fluzone form for those 65+  who wish to receive the high-dose flu vaccine. Participants will be asked to wear a mask and observe social distancing protocols.

Commissioner Navarro also expressed his gratitude to the pharmacists who have been providing these important immunizations throughout the state, saying “This event, and so many others, wouldn’t be possible without local pharmacies and their dedicated staff. We are grateful for their service to our communities.”

For more information about the flu and where to get vaccinated, visit flu.delaware.gov or call 1-800-282-8672. For information about where to get the COVID-19 vaccine, visit coronavirus.delaware.gov/vaccine/where-can-i-get-my-vaccine/ or call 1-833-643-1715.

COVID-19 vaccination eligibility for Johnson and Johnson second dose, third and booster doses of Moderna and Pfizer, and age-based eligibility for vaccination are all subject to change prior to the event. More information on COVID-19 vaccine doses is available through the Delaware Division of Health.

View event flyer or email Christina.Haas@Delaware.gov  for a full-size flyer.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Media availability will be at 3PM. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Christina.Haas@Delaware.gov.

Grants will allow public schools to offer advanced coursework to students

The Delaware Department of Education is pleased to announce the award recipients of its Accelerated Academic Grants, the new state program that made funds available for programs targeted at academically advanced students.

The program — created through legislation proposed last year by Lieutenant Governor Matt Denn and the chairs of the General Assembly’s education committees, Sen. Dave Sokola and Rep. Darryl Scott — allows school districts to design programs targeted at students who are ahead of grade level in reading, writing, math or science.

Local school districts and schools applied for start-up grants for programs targeted at students who are at least a half year ahead of grade level based upon current state standards.  Most of the programs are expected to be offered beginning in the 2014-2015 school year.

The reviewing committee selected eight awardees, with awards totaling $246,535.70.  The awardees represent each county (three in New Castle, three in Kent and two in Sussex), different grade levels and both traditional and charter schools.

The winners are:

• Caesar Rodney School District       $65,422.50
• Cape Henlopen School District      $57,623.20
• Brandywine School District             $30,000.00
• POLYTECH School District            $23,800.00
• Indian River School District            $21,100.00
• Las Americas ASPIRA Academy   $17,576.00
• Capital School District                     $16,740.00
• Newark Charter High School         $14,274.00

TOTAL                                        $246,535.70  

An additional $53,464.30 will be available under a second round of applications early next year.

“I am pleased to see the widespread interest in these grants and very impressed with proposals that will allow more of our advanced public school children to be challenged in the classroom,” Lt. Governor Matt Denn said. “There is a real demand among our public school parents for programs like these, and I hope to see even more of them in the future.”

Secretary of Education Mark Murphy said educators working closest to our students know best how to meet their needs: “That is why we are pleased to be able to support these local program ideas that, thanks to these grants, will allow accelerated learning for students who are eager for these types of new challenges.”

More detail on the winners follow:

• Caesar Rodney School District:  The district will use a STEM project approach pullout program in its middle schools with a blended learning opportunity to enhance the learning as well as providing accelerated opportunities using computer programs and tablets for accelerated students in the related arts.
• Cape Henlopen School District: The district will implement a progressive, rigorous approach in accelerated education through STEAM enriched instruction.  The program will include 60 identified 5^th grade students from four elementary schools and will inspire creativity, innovation and integrative problem solving above and beyond the curriculum.
• Brandywine School District: This vertically-designed program expands opportunities for high school students, offered as a STEM cluster of critical courses, but matched with arts and humanities.
• POLYTECH School District: This funding will allow POLYTECH to expand its AP services for students including online courses and more topics of study.
• Indian River School District: The BRITE (Bringing Intellectual Talents Everyday) Project’s purpose is to provide professional development for teachers and administrators’ implementation of the SpringBoard program with honors level students.  SpringBoard curriculua are designed to build a pathway in grades 6-10 towards AP competency in later grades.
• Las Americas ASPIRA Academy: ASPIRA will implement the QUEST (Quality Utilization and Enrichment of Student Talents) Program that will be focused on developing students’ critical, creative and logical thinking skills as well as problem-solving abilities.
• Capital School District : This funding will permit William Henry Middle School to implement Making Math Matter to identify 5^th and 6^th grade students from underrepresented groups with the potential for success in advanced math classes and prepare them to qualify for and pass Algebra I in seventh grade.
• Newark Charter High School: NCHS just opened for 9^th grade and is planning for grades 10 to 12.  This grant will allow the school to offer a wide variety of AP coursework for students capable of accelerated learning.         

 

 

 

Delaware Literacy Financial Institute “Market” in Rodney Square to Showcase Businesses

WILMINGTON, Del., (Wednesday, July 31, 2013) – On Thursday, August 1, 2013, Lt. Governor Matt Denn will meet Delaware’s youngest entrepreneurs at the “Chasing the Dream Youth Market” in Rodney Square.  The event, which runs from 10:30am – 1:00pm, is the culmination of The Delaware Literacy Financial Institute’s (DFLI) entrepreneurship summer camp, which runs July 22 – August 2 for kids ages 9-16.   The Lt. Governor will arrive at 12:15pm.

Dozens of young entrepreneurs will have their businesses open on Thursday, rain or shine.  The Lt. Governor is excited to see the types of businesses these young students have created and talk with them about plans for their futures.

During camp, students:

• learned the basics of business start-up;
• learned how to develop an idea and create a basic business plan;
• visited with entrepreneurs & tour local businesses; and
• learned to profit from their own businesses.

The older students had an Enhanced Entrepreneurial Experience.  In addition, they:

• worked with mentors on marketing methods;
• learned about social media strategies;
• attended a business lunch and learn about business etiquette and networking;
• learned how to dress for success;
• developed an elevator pitch for their business ideas and compete for funding;
• learned about selling through Etsy, eBay, consignment shops and garage sales;
• learned about branding, marketing and product packaging; and
• developed higher level creative thinking and problem solving skills while gaining first-hand knowledge of the process involved in creating a business venture.

Thursday, August 1, 2013
10:30am – 1:00pm      Chasing the Dream Youth Market
Rodney Square
Wilmington

**The Lt. Governor will attend from 12:15pm – 1:00pm**

White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Director Josh DuBois Joins the Signing

Photos available for media use on Flickr

Wilmington, DE – Praising the hard work and positive difference faith-based organizations provide each day throughout the state, Governor Jack Markell today created through his 33rd executive order the “Delaware Council of Faith-Based Partnerships. “ This new Council recognizes the significance of faith-based organizations in addressing many significant social needs, and will work to establish partnerships between government agencies and faith-based organizations to help fight poverty, expand access to health care, promote education and improve public safety.

“Regardless of denomination or geography, in every corner of our state, someone has heard and answered the call to serve their neighbor,” Markell said. “Members of faith-based organizations offer up tens of thousands of volunteer hours and countless resources to improve our communities. The Council should serve as a place for those organizations to turn to help harness this potential and this power. It’s about giving groups a chance – if they wish – to work together to make an even greater difference.”

Markell was joined at the signing by more than thirty leaders from faith-based organizations; by Joshua DuBois, the Executive Director of President Obama’s Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships; Lt. Gov. Matt Denn, Mayor Jim Baker and others.

“On behalf of President Obama, I thank you for bringing this council to fruition,” Dubois said. “While government is critically important, government alone will never solve the problems facing our communities. We have to connect and partner with faith-based and non-profit organizations. Because of visionary leadership in your state, you have a formal mechanism to do the same thing through the Council of Faith-Based Partnerships. Families will be able to better access services in improved ways because of this Council.”

Lt. Governor Denn has been an active advocate for bringing faith-based non-profits together to collaborate on solving problems.

“This is an important step forward in what has been a blossoming effort in recent years to take advantage of the talent in the faith-based and non-profit sector in our state,” said Denn. “For many folks, places of worship are central places in their life and places they turn to for guidance and assistance. They are doing great work. This Council will give them the opportunity to do more together.”

 

Specifically, the executive order provides the Council the following powers, duties and functions:

(a) Work closely with faith-based and community-based groups, charitable organizations, private foundations, voluntary associations, educational institutions, and other non-profit service organizations to promote volunteerism and community service;

(b) Develop partnerships between faith-based groups and executive branch agencies that will facilitate the missions of those organizations in areas such as education, social services, health, and housing;

(c) Provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and information among faith-based organizations whereby such organizations can work together to improve delivery of services in the community;

(d) Promote innovation and model programs and initiatives, and share best practices among faith-based groups and organizations;

(e) Coordinate Council activities with those administered by private, faith-based and governmental organizations to ensure that services are rendered efficiently and that they are not duplicated;

(f) Develop sustainable funding through private sources to support the objectives of the Council and the collaborative efforts to which Delaware faith-based organizations are devoted.

The Governor will appoint at least 9 members to the council, and its memberships will seek to represent the theological and geographic diversity of our state.

Executive Order 33 is available online and photos are available for media use on Flickr.