Maui Food Bank gets more than 40,000 pounds of food donated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Maui Food Bank recently received 40,061 pounds of shelf-stable food donated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, providing a significant supply of essential food items to help individuals and families facing hunger throughout Maui Nui.

The “Container of Aloha” arrived at Maui Food Bank’s warehouse filled with pallets of shelf-stable staples, including pasta, macaroni and cheese, salsa and other food items that will be distributed through the organization’s network of partner agencies and programs.

“We are grateful to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for this generous donation and for its longstanding support of Maui Food Bank,” said Brandi Saragosa, chief executive officer of Maui Food Bank. “More than 40,000 pounds of food will make a meaningful difference for the families, kūpuna and individuals we serve throughout Maui County. This donation is a wonderful example of communities coming together across thousands of miles to care for one another.”

The food originated through the Church’s manufacturing and distribution system in Utah, including its operations at Welfare Square in Salt Lake City, where food and essential goods are produced, processed and prepared to support humanitarian and community needs.

The donation was made possible through the efforts of Vonn Logan, Welfare and Self-Reliance Services manager for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who helped bring the project to fruition. Longtime Maui Food Bank supporter and community partner Arnold Wunder assisted with the final phase of the effort.

Welfare Square was established by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help care for people in need. Its six facilities in downtown Salt Lake City include a food storehouse, cannery, bakery, dairy, employment center and Deseret Industries thrift store. Church members volunteer their time to help operate the facilities, which provide food and other resources to people experiencing hunger and hardship, regardless of faith, as well as food banks and communities throughout North America and around the world.

The donation’s journey involved numerous volunteers, community partners and supporters who helped prepare, transport, receive and unload the shipment. Now that the food has arrived at Maui Food Bank, it will begin the final leg of its journey, from pallets in the warehouse to tables throughout Maui Nui.

“We extend a heartfelt mahalo to everyone who helped make this donation possible,” Saragosa added. “It takes many hands and strong community partnerships to move 40,000 pounds of food across the Pacific, and we are grateful to every person who played a part.”