As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, America250 and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have donated 40,000 pounds of food, delivered on a JustServe-branded semi-truck to the Great Plains Food Bank. This donation will be distributed through Great Plains Food Bank’s network of 205 partner food pantries, shelters, and meal sites, providing more than 48,000 meals to individuals and families across North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota.
The delivery is part of a national collaboration kicked off in November 2025, in which 250 truckloads of food will be donated to communities in all 50 states. The 250 deliveries will provide approximately 10 million meals to families in need across the United States as a part of the America250’s America Gives initiative.
The Church is using its established infrastructure, volunteer network, and humanitarian food resources to help bring America250 into neighborhoods throughout the nation including North Dakota, turning a national commemoration into local service.
“We believe in caring for our neighbors and love that we found an opportunity to give back to others,” said Matt Hedquist with the North Dakota Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “This donation reflects our commitment to helping those in need. We are grateful to partner with these organizations to celebrate a big milestone for our country that brings food, relief, and hope to individuals and families.”
JustServe is a community service platform sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that connects volunteers with local service opportunities. Its purpose is to help individuals and organizations strengthen their communities by serving together. Americans are invited to help make 2026 a record-setting year for volunteer service. To learn more and find opportunities, visit JustServe.org.
Through America250’s America Gives initiative and the Church’s JustServe platform, volunteers, local leaders, and community organizations are coming together to put service into action.
“The need is great right now, greater than we’ve ever seen. Last year, we served 167,000 individuals, including seniors and children,” said Marcia Paulson, Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Great Plains Food Bank. “This donation, along with the time church volunteers spent serving, brings hope to so many across our state. We are beyond grateful for the impact this will have for our neighbors.”
