Food Security Assistance

Description 

The current federal government shutdown, along with other economic difficulties, has increased food insecurity for many of our families. We recognize that our schools are on the front lines of this issue, and we are committed to supporting your efforts as you help our students and families through this challenging time by providing updates and resources to share with your school communities.

The state has allocated funds to supplement any pause on SNAP and WIC

The federal government shutdown has threatened funds for the Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known as food stamps) and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.

Last week, Governor Lombardo and the Nevada Legislature’s Interim Finance Committee (IFC) approved a total of $38.8 million to support Nevada food banks providing food during the federal government shutdown.

Additionally, Speaker of the Assembly Steve Yeager has proposed declaring a fiscal emergency in order to tap into the state’s Rainy Day Fund to replace the lost SNAP and WIC funds.

The federal government has announced it will begin distributing reduced benefits during the shutdown. However, it will take some time for those benefits to reach families.

Reminder on Share Tables to provide food assistance on your campus

Here, you will find guidance on implementing a “Share Table” program. This is a practical, safe, and proven model that enables schools to collect unconsumed, pre-packaged food and beverages (such as milk, fruit, and yogurt) from school meals and make them available to other students who may need them.

This strategy helps reduce food waste and, most importantly, provides another opportunity to get nutritious food to students who may be hungry. We encourage school administrators and staff to review this guidance and implement a Share Table program at your site.

Information on community programs increasing food support

In response to the ongoing federal government shutdown, organizations are expanding emergency relief efforts and hosting drive-thru food distributions at multiple locations across the valley. 

• The Just One Project:

• • Hosting emergency food drive-thru events to serve 500 families:
    • Mondays–Fridays from 8:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. 
    • Location: The Just One Project, 1401 N. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV
    • See the drive-thru event flyer.
  • Expanding daily distributions to serve 200 families:
    • Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 4:00–7:00 p.m. 
    • Saturdays from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. 
    • Location: Dolores Huerta Resource Center, 1737 E. Hunkins Dr., North Las Vegas, NV
  • The Just One Project is providing additional support to military families, federal employees, and homebound senior citizens. You can find more information at The Just One Project website.

• Three Square Food Bank:

• • Visit the Three Square Emergency Shutdown Relief website to view the list of upcoming emergency food distributions. 
  • Families can also visit the Three Square Find Help website to find a pantry nearest them.
  • Three Square social media accounts also provide information on pop-up food distribution sites.
    • Instagram: @threesquarelv  
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThreeSquareFoodBank/  
    • X: @threesquareLV   

• • Serving Our Kids Foundation:
    • Families who have been impacted by the shutdown may connect directly with their child’s school to enroll in the weekend meal bag program. 
    • Schools can request more meal bags by emailing info@servingourkids.org. 
    • Visit the Serving Our Kids Foundation website for more information.

• The Salvation Army Henderson Family Services:

• • Their food pantry is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 

• • Location: 830 East Lake Mead Pkwy, Henderson, NV 89015

• • Call (725) 777-1355 for assistance

• • Visit the Family Services website for more information. 

• Nevada 211: 

• • The website offers a comprehensive list of food banks across the state, along with programs that provide free, daily hot meals to eligible children and adults, food delivery services for seniors, and additional resources.
• The Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada:
  • Catholic Charities offers residents of Las Vegas and the surrounding areas a free meal, available daily from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
  • Additionally, residents can access food from the food pantry once a month, from 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., every weekday and on select Saturdays. 
  • Location: 1501 Las Vegas Blvd., North Las Vegas, NV 89101.
  • All are welcome at CCSN’s events and food services, regardless of their religious affiliation.

• Project 150:
  • Project 150 provides free programs and services to CCSD students who are enrolled and physically attending a high school. Project 150 does not serve students in virtual schools or those enrolled in adult education programs.
  • Free, ready-made food is delivered to all high schools weekly. Direct students to the school’s Project 150 Resource Room for more information or to this website.
  • Family Meal Bags with non-perishable pantry items are available at Project 150’s Betty’s Boutiques. Students must have verification through Infinite Campus to pick up food.
    • Weekdays excluding holidays from 1:00 p.m. –6:00 p.m.
    • Locations: 3600 N. Rancho Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89130 or 2605 E. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89121. 
• Project Real:
  • The Southern Nevada Youth Resource Guide lists over 50 local agencies, the services they offer, and tips for accessing them. The guide connects youth with information related to housing, food, health, and other essential services.