The Church of Jesus Christ Makes Food Donations in Utah for America250

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has donated 40,000 pounds of food to both the Utah Food Bank and Switchpoint as part of the America250 initiative. Donations like these two have been made across the country as the Church has pledged to distribute 250 truckloads of food to 250 food banks in the United States.

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On Thursday, May 28, 2026, Switchpoint in Tooele (west of Salt Lake City) received its delivery, helping individuals in their community become self-reliant.

“We don’t want to just give handout, handout, handout,” said Carol Hollowell, founder and CEO of Switchpoint. “We want people to see that they’ve got dignity and value, and what we see in that is that they become a contributing member of our own communities, and it just makes us stronger.”

Hollowell is grateful that the Church selected locations outside larger cities for these deliveries.

“It’s not just going to a Boston or Salt Lake. It’s really looking at small areas that need extra help, and this goes a long way,” Hollowell said.

Tooele City Mayor Maresa Manzione helped unload the delivery and encouraged those gathered to care for one another.

“Our goal should always be to help each other out and to have empathy for the people around us, Manzione said. “We don’t know what somebody’s life path has taken or what their circumstances are, and I’m just happy that we’re able to help those people and hopefully, make a better life.”

She added, “In helping somebody else, it makes our own lives better as well.” 

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Several churches in Tooele and west Salt Lake will also receive a portion of the Switchpoint delivery. These smaller food banks help ensure no one falls through the cracks, said Mark Runyon, pastor at New Life Community Fellowship.

Kendall Thomas, Tooele County councilman, shared his feelings about the delivery and serving in the community.

“This is God’s work. I believe that in my heart of hearts. When He said [we] are to feed the hungry [and] clothe the naked, that’s how we do it: service.”

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“To certain communities, it is the meal that might not happen if these donations aren’t made,” said Cherie Wood, mayor of South Salt Lake, who was present at the donation event on Thursday, May 21.

The Utah Food Bank in South Salt Lake accepted the donation from the Church, which included items like applesauce, pasta, peanut butter and salsa.

“Our state is growing. Inflation is happening. Families are struggling on many different levels,” said Ginette Bott, president and CEO of the Utah Food Bank. “For us to be able to come today, accept a donation like this, and know that we’re having an impact on so many people is exactly what has to happen not only here in Utah, but throughout the country.”

Bott explained that this donation, which also included detergent, helps provide items that all families need.

“If we look at the inventory that was on this truck, the ingredients are absolutely phenomenal,” Bott said. “Everything your family would need; another family does as well.”

“[These donations seem] to lower a stress level in their life that really can’t be expressed deeply enough,” said Ron Burt, assistant director of the Utah Area Communication Council for the Church of Jesus Christ. “I do know, personally, what these food donations actually mean to a lot of our families, especially right here in Utah.

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