LDS church celebrates delivering 6.5M meals across all 50 states for America250 anniversary
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has helped provide more than 6.5 million meals to families facing hunger across the United States through a sweeping America250 relief campaign that delivered 250 truckloads of donated food to communities in all 50 states.

Organized through America250’s “America Gives” campaign in partnership with the Church’s JustServe volunteer network, the nationwide effort ranks among the largest service initiatives connected to the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration in 2026.

The campaign hit a key milestone this month with food deliveries completed in every state, including Alaska and Hawaii. In Boston, one of the country’s most historic cities, Catholic Charities Boston received a full semi-truck on Wednesday carrying more than 37,000 pounds of donated food for families and local organizations across Greater Boston.

With the United States preparing to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, organizers say the project is meant to channel the milestone into a nationwide act of service.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said its JustServe platform is helping power one of the most significant volunteer efforts tied to the upcoming semiquincentennial observance. (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

“America’s 250th celebration is a unifying moment for our country, and the Church’s efforts are a beautiful example of the American spirit — neighbor caring for neighbor in service and generosity,” America250 Chair Rosie Rios said. “We are immensely grateful for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ collaboration and its continued support for this historic celebration.”

A delivery of food and other items arrives in Boston. (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

America250 Commissioner Cathy Gillespie pointed to the role faith-based groups play in volunteer service across the country.

“More than 30% of all volunteer hours in the United States are generated by faith-based organizations,” Gillespie said. “Service can unite us. It invites people from every background to work side by side, regardless of political or religious views.”

A fully loaded semi-truck carrying more than 37,000 pounds of donated food was being distributed to families and community organizations throughout Greater Boston. (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

Church leaders echoed that message, describing the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday as an opportunity to bring Americans together through community service and gratitude.

“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 of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “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.”

Volunteers in Hawaii are seen organizing a food delivery. The food-relief effort reached all 50 states, including Hawaii and Alaska. (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

The Church leveraged its nationwide volunteer network, humanitarian food resources and established distribution infrastructure to support the initiative, which involved partnerships with nonprofits, faith groups, community organizations and local leaders across the country.

people organizing food delivery a warehouse in Alaska

Volunteers are seen organizing a food delivery in Alaska. The massive food-relief effort reached all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

Blaine Maxfield, managing director of the Church’s Welfare and Self-Reliance Services department, said the project reflects the Church’s longstanding commitment to helping individuals and families in need.

“Following the example of Jesus Christ, we strive to love our neighbor,” Maxfield said. “Each of us can have an impact in our own communities through service.”

Organizers hope the food donation campaign will inspire Americans to participate in volunteer efforts leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary, using service to celebrate the country’s history while meeting needs in their own communities.

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