MADISON, Wis. — July 28, 2026 — The River Food Pantry will receive a semitruck delivery of approximately 40,000 pounds of shelf-stable food on Wednesday, July 29 at 8 am as part of a nationwide initiative celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
The delivery is part of a collaboration between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and America250, the organization commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Throughout 2026, 250 semitruck loads of food will be delivered to 250 food banks across all 50 states, providing approximately 10 million meals in total.
“Being chosen as one of hundreds of food assistance organizations nationwide to receive this truckload of food is an incredible honor,” said Rhonda Adams, Executive Director of The River, Dane County’s busiest food pantry. “We are deeply grateful to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and America250 for their generosity. It is a wonderful donation in supporting us to nourish more 4,000 people every week.”
The truckload includes a variety of shelf-stable foods, including canned fruits, vegetables, and meats, pasta, flour, pancake mix, and dried milk. Most of the goods are produced by the Church and funded by Church members’ “fast offering” donations, where members go without food and water for two consecutive meals in a 24-hour period each month, then contribute the money that would have been spent on food to help those in need.
The initiative demonstrates a shared commitment to caring for those in need and fostering meaningful service connections within communities through JustServe.org, a community service platform that connects volunteers with local service opportunities.
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About America250:
America250 commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Learn more at America250.org.
About JustServe:
JustServe.org is a community service platform sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that connects volunteers with local service opportunities to strengthen communities. Learn more at JustServe.org/America250.
About The River Food Pantry:
The River is Dane County’s busiest food pantry. Services include free groceries for pickup or delivery, to-go meals, mobile meals, community meals, online grocery orders, and after-hours food lockers. The River also recovers food and resources—that would otherwise go to waste—from local retailers. Since 2006, The River has grown to serve over 4,000 people every week in pursuit of its vision: a fully nourished community. Learn more at www.riverfoodpantry.org.
Media Contact:
Pablo Sanchez
Madison Stake Communications Director
psanchez1592@gmail.com