SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is collaborating with the nonpartisan congressional commission America250 to mark the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, kicking off the initiative Thursday by dispatching the first of 250 semitrucks loaded with food donations destined for food banks nationwide.
The Church announced it will collaborate on projects focused on service, family history, and music in recognition of the freedoms established by the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
“As we mark this historic milestone, we hope to foster a spirit of unity, peacemaking and goodwill,” said Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “The anniversary is an opportunity for all to come together, serve together, and express gratitude for the freedoms that have allowed all faiths — including ours — to flourish.”
The first of the 250 designated semitrucks—each carrying approximately 40,000 pounds of Church-produced canned goods, pasta, and dried milk—is leaving the Bishops’ Central Storehouse this week, with the goal of reaching 250 food banks across all 50 states.
America250 Chair and former U.S. Treasurer Rosie Rios said the effort symbolizes unity, adding, “What the Church is doing, what the Church has always done, and what the Church continues to do.” Commissioner Cathy Gillespie emphasized that faith-based organizations generate more than 30% of all volunteer hours in the U.S., highlighting the role of service in uniting Americans regardless of background.
The collaboration extends beyond food. The Church’s community service platform, JustServe.org, is partnering with America250’s America Gives initiative to encourage nationwide volunteering throughout 2026. FamilySearch will also join the celebration by highlighting family stories that helped shape the nation.
Elder Michael A. Dunn, a General Authority Seventy, noted the fitting collaboration as the Church prepares to celebrate its own 200th anniversary in just four years, made possible by the nation’s established religious freedoms.
The first five truckloads will leave next week for food banks in Oregon, Arkansas, Texas, Missouri, and Grand Blanc, Michigan. The Grand Blanc donation is being sent in gratitude for the community’s support following a tragedy at a Latter-day Saint chapel there earlier this year.