Catholic Charities USA Visits One of Our Food & Nutrition Hubs: A Day of Service and Solidarity

We were honored to welcome representatives from Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA)—Jane Stenson, Vice President for Food and Nutrition/Poverty Reduction Strategies, and Ben Whitman, Regional Coordinator for New England and Mid-Atlantic—for a special visit to our rural food and nutrition hub – the Schuylkill County Catholic Charities Community Café food truck.

Their visit was much more than a tour. Jane and Ben actively participated in the daily operations, joining staff and volunteers in preparing meals, meeting our guests, and even riding along in the food truck to see firsthand how we reach those in need. It was a full-circle experience that highlighted the dedication and heart behind every meal we serve.

We were especially grateful for the support of our committed volunteers at St. John XXIII, Tamaqua and an energetic group of students from Marian High School, who worked side-by-side with the CCUSA team and our staff. Their energy, teamwork, and compassion brought the mission to life throughout the day.

Reflecting on the visit, Jane Stenson shared:  “We know that we only saw a small part of the work of your agency, but the rural ministry program was so impressive.”

Jane and Ben’s visit served as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when national leadership connects with local action. Together, with our volunteers, staff, and partners, we are building a compassionate food system—one meal, one neighbor at a time.