Catholic Charities’ “40 for 40” Lenten campaign expands food support and volunteer service across San Antonio

A Lenten initiative with two tracks: giving food and giving time

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Antonio is marking the start of Lent with a new campaign branded “40 for 40,” pairing a community food-collection drive with a structured volunteer push that runs through the Lenten season.

The organization has set a defined calendar for its volunteer initiative, listing “40 Days of Service” from Feb. 19, 2026, through April 2, 2026. The dates align with the period when many faith communities emphasize prayer, fasting and almsgiving, and when local food pantries often see elevated demand after the winter holiday giving season tapers off.

How participation works in San Antonio

Locally, Catholic Charities’ food effort is organized as a “40 Cans for Lent” drive, offering several participation options designed for households as well as institutions such as parishes, schools and workplaces. The model encourages donors to provide nonperishable items over the course of Lent, with additional avenues for online purchasing and financial gifts designated for pantry operations.

For in-person drop-off, Catholic Charities lists deliveries to St. Stephen’s CARE Center at 2127 S. Zarzamora St., with weekday business-hour acceptance. The organization also offers to provide collection bins for groups hosting drives and coordinates pickup after the campaign concludes.

• Food donations: nonperishable pantry staples collected throughout Lent.
• “Shop and drop”: donor-purchased items delivered to the designated center.
• Online purchasing and monetary support: alternatives for donors who cannot deliver items.

Volunteer component emphasizes screening and scheduled opportunities

The companion track, “40 Days of Service,” focuses on volunteer placements supporting Catholic Charities programs serving vulnerable residents. New volunteers are directed to complete training and a criminal background check before registering for shifts, a common requirement for organizations that work with children and other at-risk populations.

St. Mary’s University also promotes a parallel “40 Days of Lent and Service” initiative that connects students and the broader community to local nonprofits, including Catholic Charities, highlighting an ecosystem of Lenten service opportunities across the city.

Context: food assistance amid broader operational pressures

The campaign arrives as Catholic Charities in San Antonio continues operating in a shifting resource environment. In 2025, the agency reported major staff reductions tied to disruptions in federal funding streams that supported several lines of work, including services connected to refugees and related assistance. In early 2026, the organization also underwent a leadership transition, with a new president and CEO beginning in February.

For residents seeking help or looking to support the campaign, Catholic Charities lists its food pantry and volunteer services as entry points for assistance, donations and sign-ups during the Lenten season.