The LDS welfare system is vertically integrated: 32 Church-owned farms, ranches, orchards, and processing facilities produce food that flows through 122 bishops' storehouses across six countries.
The system has operated since 1936, built on the theological principle that the Church should be able to feed its own members — and others — without depending on external supply chains. In 2024, more than 32 million pounds of food were donated externally to food banks beyond internal member welfare use. (Church-reported figures.)
Discussion