The Church of Jesus Christ donates 40,000 pounds of food to Utah Food Bank and Switchpoint through America250 initiative

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has contributed over 18,000 kilos (40,000 pounds) of food to Utah Food Bank and Switchpoint as part of the America250 initiative. This effort is part of a nationwide commitment to distribute 250 trucks of food to 250 food banks across the United States.

On Thursday, May 28, 2026, Switchpoint in Tooele, Utah, received a food donation that will aid local residents in achieving greater self-sufficiency. The donation was made in collaboration with the Church, reflecting a broader strategy to support communities in need.

Carol Hollowell, founder and executive director of Switchpoint, emphasized the importance of recognizing the dignity and courage of those receiving aid. “We want people to see that they have dignity and courage,” she said. “What we see when that happens is that they become members that contribute to our communities, and that just makes us stronger.”

Hollowell expressed appreciation for the Church’s focus on smaller communities rather than just major cities. “It’s not just about going to a city like Boston or Salt Lake,” she noted. “It’s really about looking for small areas where additional help is needed, and this is very helpful.”

The mayor of Tooele, Maresa Manzione, participated in the donation event and urged the community to support one another. “Our goal must always be to help each other and have empathy for the people around us,” she said. “We do not know the experiences and circumstances faced by other people, but I am glad to be able to help them and, I hope, contribute to their having a better life.”

Local churches in Tooele and surrounding areas will also benefit from a portion of the donation. Mark Runyon, pastor of New Life Community Fellowship, highlighted the role of smaller food banks in ensuring no one is overlooked. “These smaller food banks help ensure that no one is neglected,” he said.

Kendall Thomas, a Tooele County Councillor, described the donation as a reflection of divine service. “This is God’s work,” he said. “I believe it from the depths of my heart. When He said we should feed the hungry and dress the naked, that is how we do it: through service.”

Cherie Wood, mayor of South Salt Lake, attended the donation event and noted the significance of the contribution. “For certain communities, these donations represent the food they may not otherwise have,” she said.

The Utah Food Bank in South Salt Lake accepted the Church’s donation, which included items such as apple puree, pasta, peanut butter, and sauce. Ginette Bott, president and executive director of the Utah Food Bank, acknowledged the impact of such contributions. “Our state is growing and inflation is a reality. Families face difficulties in many ways,” she said. “For us, being able to come today, accept a donation like this, and knowing that we have an impact on so many people is exactly what ha

[Source excerpt truncated for local AI.]

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)