Resource Guide: Where Nevadans Can Access Free Food Amid SNAP Funding Uncertainty

As the federal government shutdown continues, many Nevadans relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are facing uncertainty regarding their benefits.

To support those in need, various organizations across the state are offering free food resources.

Here is a comprehensive guide to accessing food assistance in Nevada during this challenging time.

Nevada 211

Nevada 211, a program within the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, connects residents to essential services, including emergency food assistance.

They provide a directory of food banks, meal programs, and food delivery services for seniors.

For more information, dial 211 or visit their website.

Food Bank of Northern Nevada

Serving all of Northern Nevada, the Food Bank of Northern Nevada (FBNN) offers programs for seniors and children, produce delivery, and family health festivals.

They have an interactive food finder map to locate nearby food pantries and their schedules.

Visit their website for a full list of services.

Three Square Food Bank

Three Square Food Bank serves Southern Nevada and provides an interactive map listing various food services, including emergency food distribution, home delivery, and walk-in pantries.

Due to increased demand, they are operating drive-through emergency food distributions at multiple locations.

Check their website for the latest schedules and locations.

The Just One Project

This Southern Nevada nonprofit offers the Food for All initiative, which includes a no-cost community market, a mobile pantry serving low-income communities, and a farmers market providing fresh produce.

Details on their programs can be found on their website.

Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada

St. Vincent’s Food Pantry, part of Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada, is the largest food pantry in the region, offering produce, meat, and dairy products at no cost.

They also support smaller food banks across rural Northern Nevada.

Visit their website for more information.

Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada

Located at 1501 Las Vegas Blvd., North Las Vegas, NV, 89101, they offer daily free meals and a food pantry open on weekdays and select Saturdays.

All are welcome, regardless of religion.

More details are available on their website.

Reno Salvation Army

Serving Washoe County, the Salvation Army Reno Corps provides food boxes from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday, and operates a daily food pantry.

They are also organizing a protein drive on Nov. 17 at Corwin Ford dealership, 11111 S. Virginia St., Reno, NV, 89511, to collect turkeys and hams for holiday meal boxes.

More information can be found on their website.

Rural Fallon and Churchill Counties

Various pantries and meal programs are available in these counties.

For example, the New Frontier Treatment Center at 1490 Grimes St., Fallon, NV, 89406, offers food assistance on Mondays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For a complete list of resources, contact local community centers or visit their websites.

The Children’s Cabinet

Located at 777 S. Sinclair St., Reno, NV, 89501, The Children’s Cabinet offers a grocery-style food pantry focusing on healthy food for children’s growth and development.

More information regarding hours and availability can be found on their website.

Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission

Providing free meals to homeless or food-insecure individuals in Northern Nevada, they serve breakfast at 7 a.m. and dinner at 5 p.m. daily at 355 Record St., Reno, NV 89512.

They also operate a food pantry from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2115 Timber Way, Reno, NV 89512.

Visit their website for more details.

Carson Valley Community Food Closet

Serving Douglas County, they offer a food “closet” where residents can select foods once per week, a mobile grocery van distributing fresh foods, and home food deliveries for those in need.

More information is available on their website.

Resources for Nevada Students

Students and staff at Nevada’s public higher education institutions can access food assistance through various programs:

UNLV: The UNLV Food Pantry is open Monday through Friday, allowing members to receive food once a week.

UNR: The ASUN Pack Provisions program operates on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays with no access limits.

College of Southern Nevada (CSN): The Coyote Cupboards program has pantries at three locations, open Monday through Thursday, with a limit of one bag of groceries every two weeks.

Nevada State University (NSU): The NSU food pantry is open Monday through Friday with no access limits and also offers a “Mini Pantry” with grab-and-go options.

Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC): The Wizard Warehouse program provides free food and personal hygiene resources at four locations.

Western Nevada College (WNC): The Wildcat Reserve program allows students to order free food once a week with no eligibility requirements.

Great Basin College (GBC): While GBC does not offer a free food pantry, the city of Elko is served by the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.

For more information on these programs, visit the respective institution’s website.

In these uncertain times, these resources are vital for Nevadans facing food insecurity.

Community support and awareness can make a significant difference.

If you or someone you know is in need, please reach out to these organizations for assistance.