Leaders from Feeding America, the largest hunger-relief organization in the U.S., recently visited Salt Lake City for tours of Welfare Square, Deseret Mill and Pasta Plant and the Bishops’ Central Storehouse.
The April 6-7 visit included Erika Theim, Feeding America’s chief supply chain officer, and Casey Marsh, the organization’s chief development officer. They were accompanied by other Feeding America staff based out of Chicago, according to a report on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
The Church has donated over 18.7 million pounds of food and $1 million in cash to Feeding America since the start of 2022. The donations have helped address food insecurity needs in the U.S.
Thiem called the Church a “tremendous collaborator” in Feeding America’s work against hunger. Just two weeks prior to her visit, the Church provided a truckload of food for people facing the impacts of tornadoes in the midwest, Thiem noted; and in the last year, the Church has financially supported Feeding America programs that help supply donated food to 60,000 food pantry partners across the country.
The Church will also be donating culturally relevant food to Feeding America in support of Native American communities. Marsh expressed excitement about collaborating with the Church on this project, noting that food insecurity rates are three to four times higher in Native American communities than in white communities.
“The fact that we’ve got an organization in the Church that is concerned about that, and truly committed to making a difference, goes a long way,” Marsh said.
Feeding America has been fighting hunger in the U.S. since 1979. Last year, their national network of partner food banks and agencies distributed 5.2 billion meals.
Elder Randall K. Bennett, General Authority Seventy and member of the North America Central Area presidency, who participated in the Salt Lake City visit, explained the significance of Feeding America’s visit to Utah.
“We just felt to invite them all to come to Salt Lake City because they do so much good at feeding people facing hunger,” he said. “And they wanted to know, ‘Where does this food all come from?’ And so this is a very significant visit for us.”
Following the tours of Welfare Square, Deseret Mill and Pasta Plant, and the Bishops’ Central Storehouse, Marsh said she had a much deeper appreciation for everything that goes into the Church’s food operations.
“The spirit with which Church members are all contributing to this mission, not only to end hunger but to help neighbors, is really inspirational,” she said.
Thiem added that the tours made for a “remarkable” day.
“I’m excited to think about how we might take advantage of some of the production opportunities and learn from how the Church is doing more internal production,” she said.
The recent Salt Lake City visit wasn’t the first time the Church has networked with Feeding America. Last November, Church leaders met with Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot and other representatives to explore ways the Church could support the organization’s efforts.
Sister Sharon Eubank, director of Church Humanitarian Services, said it was a privilege to visit Feeding America’s headquarters.
“What I like about Feeding America is [that] they really emphasize self-reliance,” Sister Eubank said. “They’re trying to help people solve the problems that are creating their food insecurity so they can get back on their feet and then help other people.”
Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson added that the Relief Society shares many values with Feeding America. She noticed that the Feeding America logo includes wheat, just like the Relief Society symbol.
“When I see the good that’s happening, I know [Jesus Christ] is so genuinely aware of each of us,” President Johnson said. “[Feeding America leaders are] motivated by the same thing that motivates us — it’s love.”
Babineaux-Fontenot expressed her gratitude for the Church’s support, saying she’s personally seen the good that comes from Church members’ generosity.
“Feeding America and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints share a steadfast commitment to ending hunger,” she said. “I have found the people of the Church to be deeply committed to service, and we are so grateful for the incredible support they have provided for people facing hunger.”
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