Last June the Food Bank of Delaware experienced the unthinkable. Thieves stole

two tractor trailers filled with 57,000 pounds of donated chicken from hungry

Delawareans. To commemorate the tragedy and thank individuals and companies

that stepped up during the time of need, the Food Bank is holding a “Great Chicken

Heist Barbeque” to thank supporters on Thursday, June 18 from 5:00 p.m. –

7:00 p.m. at the Food Bank’s facility in Newark.

When the trucks were stolen on June 21, 2008 from the Food Bank’s Newark

warehouse the Delaware State Police, concerned members of the media, companies, elected officials and individuals reacted swiftly, determined to find the trucks. Three days later the trucks were recovered abandoned in Jersey City, NJ, but the donated chicken was not viable.

The donated chicken was valued at approximately $118,000. Had the trucks not been recovered, Food Bank operations would have been severely hampered. The trucks are used daily to pick up donations up and down the east coast.

“You can imagine the disbelief after realizing that our trucks filled with food for hungry Delawareans were stolen,” said Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO, Patricia Beebe. “The community really stepped up to help us during our time of need. Now we’re using the anniversary as an opportunity to turn something tragic into something positive.”

"The mission of the Food Bank is one that focuses on helping others just like the Delaware State Police,” said Corporal Jeff Whitmarsh. “Last year, the theft of food product that affected this organization was almost unthinkable.  But what happened afterwards was remarkable. Delaware's citizens banded together to contribute money and food that helped the Food Bank to continue to feed the needy. It was a privilege for the State Police to have been a part of something special.”

The event is open to the public, and admission is one bag of nonperishable goods for the Food Bank’s hunger relief-efforts. There will be a buffet of barbeque favorites prepared by the Food Bank’s chef duo, Executive Chef Noah Mathay and Chef Tim Hunter and students from The Culinary School, cash bar and blues music from the Porkroll Project.

When: Thursday, June 18, 2009; 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Where: Food Bank of Delaware parking lot, 14 Garfield Way, Newark, Del.

Admission: One bag of nonperishable goods

Individuals interested in attending can RSVP to (302) 292-1305 ext 220, kkostes@fbd.org or by visiting www.fbd.org and clicking on the Great Chicken Heist Barbeque icon.