LDS Church Donates 45,000 Pounds of Food to Catholic Charities in Fairfield County

Catholic Charities of Fairfield County received a substantial contribution of shelf-stable food from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, an act of service that directly addresses ongoing food insecurity in the region. According to Mike Donoghue, executive director of Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, the organization received approximately 45,000 pounds of food as part of a nationwide initiative commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. This delivery represents a significant boost to local efforts to support neighbors facing hunger and economic hardship.

The distribution was split between two key facilities in the county. About 25,000 pounds of food were delivered to Catholic Charities Stamford, which is home to the New Covenant Center, while an additional 20,000 pounds were sent to the Thomas Merton Family Center in Bridgeport. Volunteers from both organizations worked to unload pallets of food and stock pantry shelves, ensuring that the supplies were ready for immediate distribution to those in need.

This donation is part of a broader national collaboration between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ community service platform, JustServe, and America250’s America Gives initiative. The program brings together volunteers, local leaders, and nonprofit organizations through acts of service. Nationally, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is donating 250 truckloads of food to communities in all 50 states, aiming to meet growing needs through practical, neighborly support.

Warren Winegar, communications director for the Fairfield Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a Fairfield County resident, noted that both organizations share deeply engrained values to help the poor and needy. He described the donation as a continuation of a long collaboration designed to address the increasing demands within the community. Winegar emphasized that serving alongside one another fosters relationships and unifies communities through shared service opportunities.

The food delivered to Catholic Charities Stamford will be used to stock the pantry of a new 13,000-square-foot regional center. This facility is set to open and will provide a range of services, including meals, an expanded food pantry, housing support, counseling, case management, and employment resources. The arrival of the donated food ensures that the new pantry will be fully stocked ahead of its grand opening.

The New Covenant Center’s soup kitchen serves approximately 200 people daily, providing three meals a day, 365 days a year. Additionally, its food pantry assists nearly 1,000 families each month. Donoghue indicated that the need for such services continues to grow in Fairfield County, underscoring the importance of consistent, practical aid to those facing food insecurity.

This cross-denominational partnership reflects a shared commitment to mercy and practical care for the vulnerable. As communities work together to address hunger, the focus remains on tangible acts of service that sustain and strengthen local support networks. The collaboration highlights how diverse groups can unite around the common goal of feeding the hungry and caring for the needy, echoing the biblical call to love one’s neighbor through concrete action.

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