Two federal judges ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture to continue SNAP benefits with contingency funds, although uncertainty lingers on the Trump administration’s response to the ruling and if debit cards used by beneficiaries could be reloaded by tomorrow’s expiration date on financing the program.
This comes as the federal government shutdown reaches 31 days. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly known as food stamps, is used by 500,000 people in our state — or one in six Nevadans.
State lawmakers have pulled together $8.6 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan and $30.2 million from contingency funds to supply food banks through November with the assistance of the National Guard, supported by an additional $200,000. [Associated Press/Nevada Independent]
Where to Find Food
Three Square Food Bank, the largest resource in Southern Nevada for combating food insecurity, has four emergency drive-thru food distributions tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 1:
- TCMI Church (5101 N. Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89130) 7-9 a.m.
- Central Church – Hope for the City Distribution Center (1001 New Beginnings Dr, Henderson, NV 89011) 7-9 a.m.
- College of Southern Nevada, North Las Vegas (3200 E. Cheyenne Ave, North Las Vegas, NV 89030) 9 a.m. - noon
- UNLV – Thomas & Mack Center (4505 S. Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89154) 9 a.m. - noon
The following drive-thru food distributions are Monday, Nov. 3:
- WALK Church (8625 S. Spencer St., Las Vegas, NV 89123) 3 - 4 p.m.
- Dolores Huerta Resource Center - The Just One Project (1737 Hunkins Dr., North Las Vegas, NV 89030) 4 - 7 p.m.
More Resources for Food in Las Vegas
Catholic Charities Hands of Hope Community Food Pantry (1501 Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89101: Vehicles; 1504 N Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101: Pedestrians) is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. and the last Saturday of the month, 8 a.m. - noon.
The Just One Project has five community market locations by appointment plus monthly pop-up food pantries at 10 Clark County schools. (The next date is Nov. 15.)
The Center (401 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89101) serves the local LGBTQ+ community with food giveaways every Wednesday, beginning at 9 a.m.
The Las Vegan Food Pantry has plant-based grocery pickups at 10:30 a.m. on the fourth Saturday of the month at United Movement Organized Kindness (1010 N. Main St., Las Vegas, NV 89101). Reservations are required the Monday before pickups.
The Animal Foundation Pet Food Pantry is open Sundays and Wednesdays 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Thursdays 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Call 702-955-5932 or email to inquire about supply.)
How to Help
Make a monetary donation or inquire about volunteering at the following links. You can also forward this email to someone you know who needs help — or is willing to help. If you're considering donating food directly, make sure to follow the organization's guidelines. We've got more tips in our City Cast Las Vegas episode on food pantry do's and don'ts.
- Three Square Food Bank (Donate, Volunteer, Give food)
- Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada (Donate, Volunteer)
- The Just Once Project (Donate, Volunteer)
- Las Vegan Food Pantry (Donate, Volunteer, Give food)
- The Center (Donate)
- The Animal Foundation (Donate, Volunteer, Inquire about donating pet food)
- Serving Our Kids (Donate, Volunteer)
- Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (Plastic Food Drive)
These are just some of the community organizations and nonprofits feeding those in need. If you’d like to spread the word on other groups and/or events, please let us know.
City Cast Las Vegas will have more as the crisis plays out next week in our newsletter, website, and podcast episodes. (lasvegas.citycast.fm)
