The 100th truckload of food donations from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to 250 food banks across all 50 United States, as part of America250’s “America Gives” initiative, was delivered to Joe’s Food Pantry (Catholic Charities) in Dallas, Texas, on Thursday, May 14, 2026.

An event was held at the pantry to celebrate the milestone.

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“America250 is showing that all Americans care about each other,” said Cathy Gillespie, national commissioner for America250, who participated in the event.

Gillespie, who was present in Salt Lake City for the departure of the first 250 semitrucks, expressed her gratitude for the donations from the Church, which “bring hope, bring sustenance, and bring what people need.”

The 40,000 pounds of delivered food included canned fruits, vegetables, and meats; pasta; flour; beans; peanut butter; and dried milk. Most of the goods are produced by the Church and funded by member donations.

This delivery will help Joe’s Food Pantry provide nearly 34,000 meals to residents of the Dallas area.

“Joe's Pantry is a place where the rubber meets the road,” said David Woodyard, president and CEO of Catholic Charities Dallas. “Food is universal and can help anybody. We're so blessed to be able to have the opportunity to serve those in need.”

This is not the first collaboration between Catholic Charities and the Church of Jesus Christ. It is part of an ongoing effort to meet the challenges of food insecurity around the world.

“It's an incredible opportunity for two groups to come together for common good, which is serving the less fortunate, our most vulnerable population,” said Kelly Noonan, chief development officer of Catholic Charities Dallas. “This relationship has turned into more than we could ever imagine.”

Woodyard added, “We couldn't do anything we do without great collaborators, and one at the top of the list is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To have that help, not only here, but around America and around the world, really enables us to do the work we do.”

This donation to Catholic Charities is also being shared with Soldiers’ Angels as the organization opens a new food pantry for veterans and military families.

“These pallets of food are going to go directly onto the shelves of our brand-new food pantry, and we're going to be able to serve veterans, military within our community, their family members or caregivers with food that they don't have access to right now,” said Thomas Straley of Soldiers’ Angels.

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Straley added, “I believe the Founding Fathers would be very pleased with the partnerships they would see here today in Dallas.”

“Each delivery [across the country] has been met with excitement — not only for what it contains and how it will help families and individuals in need, but also for how it brings a community together to celebrate our country,” said Elder Matthew S. Holland, executive director of the Church’s Communication Department who attended the event.

Elder Holland shared how America250’s “America Gives” initiative — which aims to make 2026 a year of unprecedented service — is a chance for individuals to work together and care for their neighbor.

“We all long for unity of purpose, regardless of our differences, and we can always, no matter our differences, unite in service; and the opportunities for that service are unlimited,” said Elder Holland.

He added, “Serving together, relieving the hungry and others in need, binds us together as communities, as a nation and as God’s children. It also personally brings us joy.”

By July 4, 2026, the Church will have delivered food donations to all 50 states and will continue delivering the final 150 donations to food banks throughout the rest of the year.

“We look ahead with excitement for the remaining 150 trucks designated to be delivered in collaboration with America250 this year, as they will engender similar goodwill throughout the country,” said Elder Holland.

Local JustServe clubs from the Dallas region lent a hand during the event by helping sort and pack food boxes.

“In Matthew, it talks about how Jesus went about doing good, and as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, I try to go about doing good,” said Natalie North, a JustServe volunteer. “Being able to serve and [prepare] these food boxes — that is how I am going about doing good.”

Church’s Participation in America250

In addition to the food donations, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is encouraging its members to find ways to serve in their community and learn about the freedoms granted through the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.

JustServe

JustServe, which is sponsored by the Church, is collaborating with America250’s “America Gives” initiative to make 2026 a record-setting year of volunteer service. JustServe is a community service platform that connects volunteers with local organizations to help meet community needs and build unity through service.

A recent JustServe update reports that from January through March 2026, JustServe-related America250 efforts engaged 151,593 volunteers, generated 477,349 volunteer hours and resulted in 22,085 new JustServe registrations.

The same update highlights strong interest at RootsTech 2026, reporting over 200,000 pledged volunteer hours connected to service in 2026. JustServe has also launched an America250 landing page to centralize service opportunities and volunteer activation related to this year’s celebration.

FamilySearch

Another part of the Church’s involvement includes FamilySearch efforts that connect individuals and families to the broader American story. FamilySearch has been engaged in America250 efforts, including experiences shared at RootsTech where visitors were able to connect with relatives and learn ways to add information and stories.

FamilySearch has made participation kit materials available for download to all FamilySearch centers and affiliate libraries, with select locations also receiving physical kits to help patrons learn how to search for ancestors and receive onsite support.

An America250-themed page uses the theme “Together We Build America’s Story,” inviting people to add what they know. “America’s story is built one family at a time,” said Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch International. “As we commemorate 250 years, we invite everyone to add what they know — names, memories and photos — to help preserve the diverse experiences that shaped our communities and our nation.”

Anne Metcalf of FamilySearch participated in the event in Dallas and shared a similar message. 

“This is a really an exciting opportunity to learn where your ancestors are from and where your roots are,” said Metcalf. “I think no matter where the history is, when your ancestors came to the United States, it's part of American history, and understanding that story adds to the American story. Everyone and every family contribute to it perfectly.”