Package Guidelines for Missionary Health

Dear Parents and Missionaries,

At the Missionary Training Center, the safety and well-being of each missionary is our top priority. Ensuring missionary health allows missionaries to focus fully on their purpose and service. To help us maintain a safe and sanitary environment, we kindly ask for your help in following the guidelines below when sending packages to the MTC.

Please do not send the following items, as we are unable to accept them:

• Items Requiring Refrigeration: We do not have refrigeration capabilities in the mailroom. Packages may sit for extended periods before being picked up.

• Fast Food: This includes, but is not limited to, Café Rio, Costa Vida, McDonald’s, In-N-Out, Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, KFC, Raising Cane’s, Panda Express, Subway, Jimmy John’s, Gandolfo’s, or any kind of pizza.

• Frozen or Cold Treats: Ice cream, popsicles, Jamba Juice, smoothies, and similar items.

• Ice Packs/Hot Packs: Coolers, Styrofoam containers, or “keep refrigerated” packaging can leak and affect other packages.

• Dairy Products: Items such as cheese, whipped cream, and cream cheese are not permitted.

• Cream-Based Desserts: No cheesecake, cream pies, éclairs, cream puffs, or fresh pies with whipped cream. Fresh Condiments: No freezer jams, guacamole, or fresh salsa. Commercially packaged, shelf-stable condiments are acceptable. Cooked or Raw Meats and Seafood: Including sushi and any seafood. Jerky is permitted.

• Refrigerated Juices: Juices like Naked, Odwalla, Simply Orange, and Tropicana must be kept cold and are therefore not allowed. Shelf-stable juices from the juice aisle are acceptable.

• Fresh Produce: Please do not send fruits or vegetables.

• Matches, Lighters, or Fireworks: These items are strictly prohibited.

We understand that these restrictions may limit what you’d like to send or be sent, but they are necessary for the health and safety of all missionaries. Even if a package is expected to arrive just in time for pickup, delays in processing are common due to the high volume of mail. The MTC mailroom staff carefully handle every package, and perishable items often arrive leaking, radiating temperature, or emitting strong odors. When that happens, those items must be removed and discarded for the safety of all. Missionaries are well taken care of in the MTC cafeteria, which offers a wide variety of nutritious meals, including plenty of fruits and vegetables. We truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, clean, and uplifting environment for missionaries.

Warm regards,

Missionary Training Center