Courtesy/Root Cellar and Wellness Hub Facebook

By Jett Schwaier

IN THE COMMUNITY

$50,000 has been donated to the Root Cellar & Wellness Hub from the LDS Church to support food security

Dec 16, 2025 | 8:07 PM

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has made a $50,000 cash donation to the Root Cellar Food and Wellness Centre to help support ongoing food security in the community.

Representatives from the LDS Church presented the donation during a visit to the Root Cellar, where they received a tour of the facility on Dec. 16, 2025.

Church representative, James Evanson, said the donation will help ensure the organization can continue providing core products year-round.

“The consistent products that they have here that everybody gets on a regular basis, so that there’s always food security at this place,” Evanson said.

“I think that’s one of the really neat hallmarks of the Root Cellar is that type of security for people to come and get.”

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Evanson said the funding will support the Root Cellar’s ability to maintain a reliable supply of essential food items for people who rely on the service.

“I just really appreciate the Root Cellar’s focus on self-reliance,” Evanson said.

“It’s more than just coming and getting a food order; this is about helping people become self-reliant.”

The donation comes at a time when many families are facing economic pressures, particularly during the holiday season, according to Evanson.

“There’s just a feeling always at Christmas, there’s a spirit of giving and a spirit of just a generosity and a desire to help out,” Evanson said.

Root Cellar Executive Director, Melissa Mullis, said the LDS Church has been a long-standing supporter of the organization, contributing not only financially but also through hands-on involvement.

“They’re big supporters of what we do, and this is absolutely an amazing gesture,” Mullis said.

The donation continues the strong relationship between the church and the Root Cellar.

In 2024, the church helped fund the construction of a kitchen facility at the Root Cellar.

Church members have also supported the organization through volunteer efforts, food drives, fundraising events and participation in the Amazing Race for Hunger.

Mullis said, while December is often associated with charitable giving, the need for support continues throughout the year.

“Our busier months are January and February,” Mullis said.

“We would love to encourage donations before the end of the year, but also all year round.”

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READ: Medicine Hat pub Rossco’s helps Root Cellar to provide turkey meals to those in need at Christmas

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