A tractor-trailer arrived Thursday in the parking lot of Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center on East Elm Street bearing 40,000 pounds of food and hope for those struggling to make ends meet.
The donation was part of an effort by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ JustServe program, which will send 250 trucks across the country this year in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Richard and Dawn Brock, of Clarks Summit, service missionary advisors for the church, are involved in the effort, but had never seen a truck with such donations arrive before.
“We’re pretty thrilled,” Dawn Brook said. “This is a lot of food.”
Warehouse manager for Friends of the Poor and the Catherine McAuley Center Cal Bieryla unloads a pallet of food donated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in collaboratoin with America250 at the Friends of the Poor and the Catherine McAuley Center food hub warehouse in Scranton Thursday, June 4, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Warehouse manager for Friends of the Poor and the Catherine McAuley Center Cal Bieryla unloads a pallet of food donated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in collaboratoin with America250 at the Friends of the Poor and the Catherine McAuley Center food hub warehouse in Scranton Thursday, June 4, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
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Warehouse manager for Friends of the Poor and the Catherine McAuley Center Cal Bieryla unloads a pallet of food donated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in collaboratoin with America250 at the Friends of the Poor and the Catherine McAuley Center food hub warehouse in Scranton Thursday, June 4, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The 40,000 pounds of perishable and nonperishable items are enough to feed 1,400 people for a week. The nationwide effort will provide an estimated 10 million meals.
Meghan Loftus, CEO of Friends of the Poor and Catherine McCauley Center, said the food would be delivered to 15 sites in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, all of which have seen an increased need over the last months.
“Donations are down and more people are in need,” she said. “This means the world to us.”
The organization serves 25,000 people a year who use their services multiple times.
Loftus used to see people using food pantries as a last resort at the end of the month. Now, they often thoughtfully consider food they can get from pantries, before using food stamps or cash for other items.
And, although fresh perishable items are appreciated, recipients often appreciate nonperishable items, which they can easily heat up or even eat from the container. This is especially a concern for people who are unhoused and may not have access to a traditional kitchen, Loftus said.
In addition to providing physical nourishment, food pantries and other human service agencies provide opportunities for recipients to experience a sense of community.
Many volunteer with the organizations that are helping them, Loftus said.
She is moved by people’s willingness not only to give money, but to spend their time — sometimes hours of it.
“In today’s world, time is precious. So, when I see people willing to give it, it means something,” she said.
Deb Morisie, the NEPA communications director of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said the Friends of the Poor/Catherine McCauley House mission to serve those in need dovetailed perfectly with her church’s mission to help others.
She called both the provision of food and the willingness of those geared at getting it out into the community where it is needed “awe-inspiring.”
Richard Fowler of the church emphasized the spiritual aspect of the effort. Members take a Sunday each month and abstain from food and drink for two meals, then donate the equivalent cost or more to assist the needy. It’s called a fast offering.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sees service as an expression of faith, he said.