Nevada Food Banks Grapple with Surging Demand Amidst Lingering SNAP Policy Shifts

Las Vegas food pantries are experiencing unprecedented strain as more Nevadans, including veterans and seniors on fixed incomes, struggle with rising grocery prices and reduced social safety nets. Army veteran Earvin James Sr. exemplifies the growing crisis, noting the dramatic increase in everyday essentials. “Everything is going up in this country except helping out the senior citizens,” James told reporters.

Three Square, a vital nonprofit supplying most Southern Nevada food pantries, confirms the escalating demand. Beth Martino, president and CEO of Three Square, reports partners are overwhelmed. The situation is exacerbated by continued ripple effects from a significant tax and spending plan, which shifted more Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) costs to states and introduced stricter recipient requirements. Nevada, with limited revenue options, faces an uncertain future for many residents relying on such programs.

The severity of the crisis was evident earlier this year when Three Square’s warehouse faced critical food shortages. An analysis from May reveals that approximately one in seven Southern Nevadans are food insecure. Alarmingly, child hunger in the region served by Three Square has surged to 22% this year, a notable increase from 18% in 2024. Volunteers like Clara Blackwell, who herself sought assistance in the past, witness firsthand the desperation of those with “no choice at all” but to seek help from food pantries.

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