New ‘Farmacy Market’ provides fresh, locally sourced food in Milford
MILFORD, Del. – “It’s very emotional, even till today to talk about it. Being a woman, losing your hair, and just going through that process,” Helmick said.
In 2016, Chantel Helmick was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It’s a form of cancer that causes enlarged lymph nodes and growths throughout the body.
Her husband, Patrick, said the diagnoses left him feeling helpless, but he found a possible answer thanks to one natural talent. “I fell into gardening so I could grow the most nutritious food possible. I can’t make chemotherapy drugs, but I can grow excellent food,” Helmick said.
That passion for growing fresh would lead them to start their own market farm business, Helmick’s Homestead, back in 2020.
The little garden in their backyard couldn’t keep up with the growing demand and the duo knew a brick-and-mortar location would be in the deck of cards. Now, they’re now the co-owners of The Farmacy Market in Milford. “I farm it and I literally bring it in for customers to buy. That’s a little bit of an inverse to your traditional grocery store,” Helmick said.
The goal is to provide high quality, locally sourced food. The market gets most of their product from trusted farmers and producers on Delmarva who share in the mission of providing quality food and increasing sustainability.
Sherry Shupe and Representative Bryan Shupe went from one of the Helmick’s customers to now their business partners. ‘We’re only in our first week and we’ve sold out multiple times. We’re having those good growing pains of trying to figure out what people are hungry for. The good news is that they’re hungry,” Shupe said.
Mrs. Shupe told 47ABC they’re serial entrepreneurs, owned Fur Baby Pet Resort in Milford since 2011. They also own a second location in Rehoboth Beach.
7 years later, Chantel is now cancer free and now has a growing family. Now turning her pain into purposes – she’s helping people to take control of their own health. “Because I know that we’re helping folks not only educationally to understand that eating better can help but also be able to provide those 7 days a week,” Helmick said.
In addition to all that fresh produce, the market also offers kitchen supplies and other gadgets. The owners also look to expand the brand to other cities in Delaware.
The owners say growth will be on the horizon for the new year, including the addition of a grab and go service with readymade foods with healthy alternatives. We’re also told they’re also looking to bring in local farmers and chefs to host classes.
The Farmacy Market is located at 28 S Walnut St in downtown Milford.
You can also check out their website
