Church food donation in Atlanta honors retiring Morehouse College dean Rev. Lawrence E. Carter
A large scale food donation initiative in Atlanta has been carried out in honor of the upcoming retirement of the Rev. Lawrence E. Carter, a prominent academic and spiritual leader at Morehouse College. The initiative involved a contribution of more than 33,000 pounds of shelf stable food distributed to local nonprofit organizations supporting families experiencing food insecurity across the metro Atlanta area. The effort brought together volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Morehouse College, highlighting a collaborative approach to community service and humanitarian support.
The donation was presented through Second Helpings Atlanta, a nonprofit network that redistributes surplus food to organizations working directly with individuals and families in need. The Rev. Carter, who serves as the founding dean of the Martin Luther King Jr International Chapel at Morehouse College, joined volunteers the day after the donation to assist in distributing supplies to dozens of partner organizations. These groups collectively support communities facing economic hardship, ensuring that essential food resources reach vulnerable households across the region.
Rev. Carter, who is set to retire in June, has been widely recognized for his contributions to interfaith dialogue, education, and peacebuilding initiatives. His work has included efforts to promote social justice and global understanding, including his role in presenting international recognition awards to prominent figures such as President Russell M. Nelson. His involvement in the food distribution event was described by participants as a meaningful reflection of his lifelong commitment to service and community engagement.
During the event, Rev. Carter emphasized the importance of local humanitarian action, noting that service does not always require international travel but can be equally impactful within one’s own community. Volunteers and organizers echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of addressing food insecurity at the local level through coordinated partnerships between faith based organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofit networks. The initiative was presented as an example of how collaborative efforts can strengthen community resilience and support those in need.
The retirement tribute and food donation have drawn attention to Rev. Carter’s long standing influence at Morehouse College and beyond, particularly in shaping programs that connect faith, education, and social responsibility. As he prepares to step down from his role, the event serves as both a recognition of his decades of service and a continuation of the values he has promoted throughout his career. The initiative underscores the growing role of community driven partnerships in addressing food insecurity in urban centers across the United States.
