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As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced a partnership with America250, a congressional commission responsible for organizing nationwide commemorations of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This collaboration will focus on service, family history, and music as part of the national celebration.
In advance of the 2026 festivities, the Church began its participation by sending out the first of 250 semitrucks loaded with food donations. These trucks are set to deliver supplies to 250 food banks across all 50 states. Each truck contains approximately 40,000 pounds of food, including canned fruits, vegetables and meats, pasta, flour, pancake mix and dried milk. Most goods are produced by the Church and funded through member donations.
Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated: “As we mark this historic milestone, we hope to foster a spirit of unity, peacemaking and goodwill. 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.”
Rosie Rios, Chair of America250 and former U.S. Treasurer, along with Commissioners Cathy Gillespie and Lynn Forney Young attended an announcement event in Salt Lake City. Rios said: “This is truly a historic moment for all of us. What we just saw in our tour of the [Bishops’ Central Storehouse] reminds us all why we do what we do. Although technically, yes, we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, I think this is really, for me, a moment of unity, not just independence. It’s unity here in what the Church is doing, what the Church has always done, and what the Church continues to do.”
Commissioner Gillespie added: “Today’s announcement is about more than just food donations. It is about inspiring a spirit of service that defines who we are as Americans.” She also highlighted that over 30% of volunteer hours in the United States come from faith-based organizations: “Service can unite us. It invites people from every background to work side by side, regardless of political or religious views.”
Elder Michael A. Dunn noted that it was appropriate for the Church—founded in 1830 amid American religious freedoms—to participate in these commemorations: “It’s really fitting that as we prepare to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the founding of our Church just four years from now, we join today with other faiths and other organizations this year to commemorate this very pivotal moment in our nation’s history,” he said.
The trucks carrying donated goods feature JustServe.org and America250 logos as symbols encouraging community service throughout 2026.
Blaine Maxfield, managing director for Welfare and Self-Reliance Services at The Church stated: “Our trucks can be loaded and dispatched anywhere they’re needed...This work reflects our commitment to help individuals through principles of self-reliance and service...Following the example of Jesus Christ, we strive to love our neighbor.”
JustServe—a platform sponsored by The Church—will support America250’s "America Gives" initiative aimed at boosting volunteerism during 2026 by connecting volunteers with local opportunities via a dedicated landing page on JustServe.org.
FamilySearch will participate by highlighting stories central to American history in hopes families will preserve their own histories; further details are expected next year.
Sister Tracy Y. Browning from Primary General Presidency recounted her experience asking children how they serve others: “It’s always surprising to me that one of the most common answers that they give is to share their food with one of their friends...Their natural inclination...reminds us why this effort really matters.”
Chair Rios reflected on her personal connection: “As a product of someone who grew up on the charity of my church...it means everything to me...how important our church communities are to the fabric of our country and to me personally.”
The first five truckloads will be sent next week to Oregon (Food for Lane County), Arkansas (Family Resource Services), Missouri (Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri), Texas (Galveston County Food Bank), and Michigan (FISH Food Pantry – Grand Blanc). In Michigan's case especially it acknowledges past support given after tragedy at a local chapel.
The Church describes itself as having over 17 million members worldwide who seek community improvement through worship and service activities centered on Jesus Christ’s teachings.
America250 aims to inspire reflection on U.S. history while promoting programs designed around education engagement and national unity leading up to July 4th celebrations in 2026.
JustServe connects volunteers with local projects while FamilySearch provides free genealogical resources supported by The Church.
