The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints put their principles where the people are Thursday morning.

An approximately 40,000-pound donation of shelfstable food from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints arrived at Central Services in Morristown to help neighbors facing food insecurity.

As part of a nationwide effort, the Church is sending 250 truckloads of food to 250 food banks across all 50 states as the United States prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. America250 is a nonpartisan congressional commission inviting Americans to mark this milestone through remembrance, reflection and service.

Rosie Rios, chair of America250 and former U.S. treasurer, shared at the press conference announcing the food and service initiative with the Church.

“This is truly a historic moment for all of us … a moment of unity, not just independence,” Rios said, noting the important role that faith communities play in serving those in need.

Local leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ said this delivery reflects a shared desire to care for neighbors.

“As followers of Jesus Christ, we believe the two great commandments to love God and to love our neighbor are reflected in how we serve one another. We are grateful for opportunities like this that bring communities together in a spirit of kindness, unity, and shared purpose,” said Jason Pickup, a leader of the Latter-Day Saints in the Tri-Cities area.

Central Services serves individuals and families throughout Hamblen County by providing emergency and support services to anyone living or working in Hamblen County. Leaders of the organization expressed gratitude for the timing of the donation.

Central Services Executive Director Ashley Hux said that being chosen as one of only 250 organizations across this country to receive this gift is an honor that the agency doesn’t take lightly.

“Central Services has stood as a steady presence in the Morristown-Hamblen County community for over 56 years, and partnerships like this one remind us exactly why the work matters. This food represents stability for families in crisis — and the generosity behind it will be felt long after the pallets are empty. We are deeply grateful to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the JustServe program, and the America250 initiative for recognizing Central Services and for choosing to invest in this community. This is exactly the kind of partnership that makes Hamblen County a place worth fighting for.

“As we celebrate America 250 together, their dedication and servant hearts are a true reminder of what has made this country great — neighbors showing up for neighbors,” Hux said. “A community coming together to care for one another is what America is all about. Thank you for sharing your time, your resources, and your hearts with us!”

Each America250 truckload includes a variety of shelf-stable foods such as canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, flour, pancake mix and dried milk. Most of the commodities are produced by the Church and funded by voluntary donations from its members.

Church members from Morristown and surrounding areas will return to Central Services in the future for a hands on service project, helping sort and organize the donated food so it can be distributed quickly to families throughout Hamblen County. It’s a meaningful way to continue the spirit of today’s generosity and serve neighbors. Tennessee is home to more than 59,000 Latter-day Saints who are part of more than 117 congregations.