EWC Adopt-A-Block Outreach Center

EWC Adopt-A-Block Outreach, Inc. is an outreach ministry of Emmanuel Church in Salisbury, Maryland, dedicated to alleviating food insecurity. In 2013, Adopt-A-Block began with a pickup truck and a handful of volunteers who wanted to share God’s love and compassion with the neighborhood around the Church. The mission of Adopt-A-Block is simple: Find a need, fill it. Find a hurt, heal it. 

Because of the high rate of food insecurity in the Church Street neighborhood, Adopt-A-Block volunteers use food as a bridge for building relationships and offering hope and love. For over ten years, volunteers have prepared bags of food and have walked the neighborhood to deliver food door-to-door. In addition, volunteers have prayed over neighbors, delivered beds and clothing, performed minor home repairs, painted over graffiti, organized Thanksgiving meal distributions, and provided Christmas gifts to over 350 homes. Our volunteers understand there is no better way to find and alleviate needs and hurts than to walk with those who are in need and hurting.

In November 2024, Adopt-A-Block opened our client choice food pantry and outreach center located at 818 Benny Street, in the heart of the neighborhood where we began. Our new building has allowed us to expand our reach to serve families from Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset Counties. In addition to providing food, we also connect neighbors with health, legal, and social services.

The number of people whose lives are affected by food insecurity continues to increase, and our assistance is needed more and more. At Adopt-A-Block, we strive to ensure every household has access to quality nutrition, and we never want to turn away someone who needs our services. 

To continue meeting the growing demand for food assistance, we need your help. Please consider partnering with Adopt-A-Block and join us as we support those facing food insecurity and make a positive impact in our community.  

Our pantry is called the Bread of Life Market and is the first client choice pantry in Wicomico County. Here families and individuals are able to shop with dignity and make their own food choices taking into account their dietary restrictions and personal preferences. They receive a one-week supply of food based on household size. The Market is not a traditional dry-goods pantry; it offers neighbors in need access to meat, fresh produce, dairy, and bakery products. Adopt-a-Block does not require individuals to meet minimum income requirements. Our doors and arms are open to everyone in need.