Latter-day Saints Church donates 45,000 pounds of food to Catholic Charities
The effort brings two faith communities together through a yearslong partnership centered on serving families in need.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated 45,000 pounds of shelf-stable food to help Catholic Charities of Fairfield County serve families in need across southwestern Connecticut.
The donation is part of a nationwide effort through which the church is providing 250 truckloads of food to communities in all 50 states as the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary, according to an August 7 article published by the Diocese of Bridgeport.
The initiative brings volunteers, community leaders, and nonprofit organizations together through a collaboration between JustServe, the church’s community service platform, and America250’s America Gives initiative.
In Fairfield County, 25,000 pounds of food were delivered to Catholic Charities Stamford, home of New Covenant Center, which operates a soup kitchen and food pantry. Another 20,000 pounds went to the Thomas Merton Family Center in Bridgeport.
New Covenant Center serves approximately 200 people each day through its soup kitchen and assists nearly 1,000 families each month through its food pantry.
The contribution continues a partnership between Catholic Charities of Fairfield County and the Latter-day Saints that began in 2020.
Mike Donoghue, executive director of Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, said the donation will provide practical support for the agency’s work in both communities.
“By dividing the delivery between our Bridgeport and Stamford facilities,” he said, “we are able to fill the empty shelves of the Thomas Merton Family Center and prepare for the grand opening of Catholic Charities Stamford.”
Rosie Rios, chair of America250, said the donation reflects America Gives’ focus on service.
“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,” she said. “We are immensely grateful for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ collaboration and its continued support for this historic celebration.”
