August 29, 2025, 6pm MDT
Around 30,000 pounds of food arrived in Heightstown, New Jersey on August 25th as part of a donation from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a nonprofit community service center.
Food delivered on pallets from the central warehouse of a church bishop in Salt Lake City will directly benefit Stock Rice’s food pantry, mobile markets and home delivery programs, with direct benefits from the organization’s over 700 families serving each week, according to an announcement about donations from East Brunswick New Jersey.
“This generous donation comes when many families struggle to maintain their food on the table,” said Leslie Coppel, executive director at Rise. “Thanks to our continued partnership with the Latter-day Saint Church of Jesus Christ, we can bring dignity, nutrition and hope to our thousands of neighbors. Their commitment reminds us that, through food, funding and weekly volunteers, that no one has to be hungry when our community works together.”
Community collaboration
According to the announcement, Rise has worked with the local Latter-Day Saint leader for over 16 years, and has recently collaborated with the Thanksgiving initiative, which distributed 900 turkeys to local families in 2024. In addition to food and finance donations, 15 missionaries volunteer at Rise’s pantry every Wednesday to help distribute groceries.
“We’re looking forward to seeing you in the future,” said Darklindeman, stake president for East Brunswick New Jersey.
The bishop’s warehouse system, run primarily by volunteers, supplies food and household items produced by church farms, canning plants and processing facilities. Local bishops direct support to those in need, but the surplus is shared with community organizations in response to disasters and other humanitarian needs.
Working hand-held
For Rise staff, this delivery represents more than just food.
“These items will be shared through Rise’s food pantry, mobile markets and delivery programs to ensure no one gets hungry,” announced Juan Cobos of Rise Pantry Operations Coordinator. “Thanks to the generosity of the Church of Jesus Christ for Latter-day Saints, we are able to provide nutritious foods that families find difficult to access daily distribution.
Founded in 1967, Rise has grown into a family-friendly resource hub in Mercer County, New Jersey. In 2024, Rise distributed over 145,000 bags of groceries, providing seasonal resources such as backpacks, coats and holiday gifts, as well as helping 2,800 people through case management.
