Food Bank and Catholic Charities expand food resources to SNAP recipients

Reno, Nev. Oct. 30, 2025. Washoe County, City of Reno, and City of Sparks are partnering with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada and Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada to expand food resources throughout Washoe County for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients.

As of November 1, SNAP payments are expected to be frozen, which means that deposits into EBT accounts may not happen, and those who buy groceries with their EBT card will need to use other food resources.

Food assistance programs, primarily coordinated through the Food Bank, offer more than 70 partner pantries and run direct distribution programs. Catholic Charities operates the largest food pantries in Northern Nevada and are the largest direct-to-client distributor of food within the Food Bank of Northern Nevada's Partner Pantry network.

"We appreciate the partnerships with the State of Nevada and our local governments to feed people in need," Nicole Lamboley, Food Bank CEO and president, said. "We don't know what will happen at the federal level, but we know that we take care of our community with the support of our local partners."

The Food Bank of Northern Nevada and its extensive network of partners are here for residents. Click to find out how to access food in your neighborhood. https://www.fbnn.org/gethelp/snap-response/

In addition to their expanded Pantry hours, Catholic Charities is offering family-friendly dinners at the St. Vincent's Dining Room (325 Valley Road) on Saturdays and Sundays from 4-5:30 p.m. throughout November. To help with the Nevada Day holiday this week, Catholic Charities is adding a dinner this Friday night, October 31, from 4-5:30 p.m. as well. Food pickup at the Catholic Charities food pantry will be available every other week to those in need rather than just one time per month, and everyone is welcome to the daily lunch at the St. Vincent's Dining Room.

"Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada has operated the St. Vincent's Dining Room for over 60 years, providing hot, nutritious meals to all in need." Marie Baxter, CEO of Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada, said. "In addition to expanding access to our extensive Food Pantry network, in response to the change in federal SNAP benefits, we are pleased to announce that our Dining Room will be hosting family dinners throughout the month of November. We want to make sure parents, and their children, feel supported and nourished during these times of uncertainty."

Additionally the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County (RTC) is donating 3,000 two-trip passes to the Washoe County School District to distribute to families who may need assistance getting to a food distribution site.

Other resources include:

Nevada 2-1-1 (Statewide Food Assistance Resource)
Overview: Free, confidential, statewide service connecting residents to food assistance programs, pantries, meals, SNAP/EBT support, and other essential resources.

How to Access:

Dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-535-5654 (toll-free).

Text your ZIP code to 898-211 for location-specific assistance.

Visit the Food Services Finder online to locate nearby pantries, emergency food programs, senior meals, and more.

Website: nevada211.org/food-services

Food Bank of Northern Nevada (FBNN)
Overview: Central hub distributing food to pantries and running mobile-community programs. Serves all ages, with emphasis on fresh produce and staples. No ID required for most distributions; first-time visitors complete a brief intake form (confidential.

• Mobile Harvest: Weekly drive-thru distributions of fresh fruits, vegetables, and pantry staples. Open to all; one visit per household, per week. Arrive one hour early.
• Schedule: Download PDF at org/gethelpfor Washoe County locations (e.g., parks, schools, community centers in Reno/Sparks).
• Neighborhood Pantries: Over 70 partner sites (churches, schools, community centers), offering grocery bags. Hours vary; full list with schedules at org/gethelp/neighborhoodpantry.
• Senior Nutrition & Wellness (SNW, formerly CSFP): Monthly boxes of staples for low-income seniors 60+. Income limits: $1,471/month for one person, $1,991 for two people (2025 guidelines). Requires proof of income, NV residency, and photo ID. Annual certification in July.
• Schedule (October/November 2025): Washoe County PDF.
• Produce on Wheels: Fresh produce for seniors 60+. Same eligibility as SNW.
• Schedule: Washoe County PDF.
• Kids Café: Free meals (breakfast/lunch) for kids up to age 18 at ~20 sites (e.g., after-school programs, schools). Parents must show child ID or provide name/age. Check org/gethelp/foodfinder for locations.
• TEFAP (Emergency Food Assistance Program): USDA commodities at select pantries for income-eligible households (limits similar to SNW).

Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada - St. Vincent's Food Pantry
Overview: Largest pantry in northern Nevada, distributing more than 6 million pounds of food annually. Neighborhood Centers feature "Client Choice" pantry model with fresh produce, meats, dairy, and non-perishables. Serves all ages and expanded to allow those in need to visit every other week during the Government shutdown.

• Eligibility: Washoe County resident; proof of address/ID preferred but flexible for those in need.
• Locations/Hours:
• Main Pantry: 500 E. 4th St., Reno, NV 89512 | Mon-Wed 8:00 - 10:00 AM and Fri 9:00 - 3:00
• Neighborhood Centers: Sun Valley (6590 N. Sun Valley Dr.), Moana Lane (Moana Springs), and others-hours vary and are being expanded. Visit website for current hours ccsnn.org
• Overview: Annual Thanksgiving food distribution providing meal kits with all ingredients for a holiday meal. No registration required.
• Eligibility: Open to all Washoe County residents. One meal kit, per family, first come, first served. No deliveries available. Event does not count toward a monthly pantry visit.
• Locations & Dates:
• Downtown Reno: 500 E. Fourth St., Reno | Fri, Nov 21, 2025 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Moana: 480 E. Moana Ln., Reno | Thu, Nov 20, 2025 | 12-4 p.m.
• Sun Valley: 90 W. Gepford Pkwy., Sun Valley | Fri, Nov 21, 2025 | 12-4 p.m.
• Additional Services: Hygiene items, case management, holiday meals.

The Children's Cabinet - CC Market (Wilbur D. May Youth Center)

Overview: Grocery-style food pantry, allowing families to select their own items, reducing waste and supporting personal choice. Focuses on providing balanced, healthy foods to promote children's growth and development.

Offerings: Dairy (milk, eggs, cheese) and proteins (frozen hamburger, pork, chicken), plus other staple foods across all major food groups.

Location: Inside The Children's Cabinet's Wilbur D. May Youth Center, Reno, NV.

Partner Site: St. Michael Parish Food Pantry - 14075 Mt. Vida St., Reno, NV 89506 | Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. | (775) 972-74623

More information on website at The Children's Cabinet | Nevada Non-Profit Organization

Assistance League of Reno/Sparks Food Pantry

Overview: Grocery items for seniors 60+ at Reno/Sparks Senior Centers. Limited to 300 households/month.

Eligibility: Washoe resident, 60+, income ≤$1,287/month (1 person) or $1,736 (2 people), cooking facilities required.

• Reno Senior Center: 1155 E. 9th St., Reno | Commodities: Odd months (call for dates).
• Sparks Senior Center: 1200 24th St., Sparks | Truck delivery: 2nd Tue 11:45am-12:30pm.

Contact: (775) 328-2575 | washoecounty.gov/seniorsrv.

Government and Supplemental Programs

WIC: Nutrition for pregnant women/kids under five years of age. Vouchers for produce/milk. Contact Northern Nevada Public Health at https://www.nnph.org.

Washoe County Congregate Senior Lunch Program

Overview: Participants may choose between a hot meal or a fresh salad at one of Washoe County's congregate meal sites.

Eligibility: Age 60 or older. Please call Senior Services at 775-328-2581 or walk in to sign up.

Meal Sites

• Reno Senior Center.
• Sparks Senior Center.
• Sun Valley Senior Center.
• Cold Springs - call to sign up.
• Gerlach Senior.
• Metropolitan Gardens.
• Neil Road Recreation Center.
• Spanish Springs/Lazy 5 Regional.
• Westbrook Community Center.

Visit the Washoe County website for a complete list of locations and hours lunch is served.