Las Vegas, Nev. – In a Medium post published today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) directed Nevadans to her Disaster Resource Guide and outlined how they can obtain food assistance during the coronavirus pandemic.
The full text of the post can be found here and below.
Food Assistance is Available Across Nevada
By U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto
Over 300,000 Nevadans are struggling with hunger, and of those, over 130,000 are children. These Nevadans are now facing additional challenges accessing food as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Food banks and school districts in communities across Nevada have come together to offer food assistance to families in need during these challenging times. I’ve put together a comprehensive Disaster Resource Guide that includes information for parents, students and seniors seeking food assistance.
On March 15, the state of Nevada closed all public, private, and charter schools to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep students and their families safe. During school closures, school districts across the state are working to make sure students who rely on free and reduced meal programs at school still have access to food. “Grab and go” meals are being served to students at a number of locations throughout Southern, Northern and rural Nevada during school closures.
Organizations across the state like the Food Bank of Northern Nevada and Three Square Food Bank have also ramped up services to provide food for those in need. The Food Bank of Northern Nevada’s (FBNN) Food Pantries and Mobile Harvest programs are running at one distribution site. On Wednesday the distribution site will be at the Grand Sierra Resort and it will move to Sparks Christian Fellowship on Thursday. Be sure to check out FBNN’s website for updates as these resources and locations may change; visit fbnn.org/ for the latest information.
In Southern Nevada, Three Square Food Bank has several drive-thru emergency food distribution sites for those in need. Three Square is also offering additional services to seniors who are in need of home delivery or SNAP assistance. For a complete list of Three Square’s emergency food distribution sites and hours of operation, visit threesquare.org/help.
For those in need of food assistance, now is also an important time check your eligibility for SNAP benefits. If you’ve lost your job as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, read more about how you can apply for unemployment insurance here.
As the state of Nevada works to slow the spread of COVID-19, especially among our senior population, Meals on Wheels continues to help older Nevadans stay healthy and safe by delivering meals to homebound seniors. To check on the status of your area’s Meals on Wheels program you can call 1-888-998-6325 or visit mealsonwheelsamerica.org/find-meals.
I’m so proud of the way our communities are rallying to help one another and make sure every Nevadan has access to basic necessities like food. I want you to know that my office is here to help. Read my Disaster Resource Guide for more information on food assistance programs and other resources for Nevadans throughout the Silver State. For Nevadans interested in how they can offer a helping hand visit threesquare.org/how-to-help/volunteer or fbnn.org/get-involved/volunteer/.
Three Square Emergency Distribution Line: (702) 765-4030 or threesquare.org/help
Food Bank of Northern Nevada: 775-331-3663 or fbnn.org/