The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has given Second Harvest of the Big Bend nearly $1 million to help the organization increase food distribution from 15 million to 25 million pounds a year which will affect 16 counties including Columbia, Dixie and Suwannee.  

In 2022, Second Harvest distributed 14 million pounds of food. Second Harvest of Big Bend is a Feeding America food pantry. 

Elder Vern P. Stanfill, president of the North America Southeast Area for the Church of Jesus Christ, said Christ’s commandment to love our neighbor is the guiding star of the Church’s humanitarian efforts. 

“We strive to answer that calling as we seek to join efforts with organizations like Second Harvest of Big Bend, who serve on the front lines of poverty blessing those in need,” Stanfill said in a press release.  

President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for seven Florida counties, including Dixie and Suwannee, in the wake of Hurricane Idalia. Suwannee experienced a near-total power loss from the storm. 

In September 2023, the Church sent more than 5,000 volunteers to the area to aid disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Idalia. The Church also gave $200,000 to Second Harvest of Big Bend to help support communities affected by the hurricane.