Over 6,000 fresh meals have been delivered to in-need members of the Reno-Sparks community in under four weeks, thanks to Delivering with Dignity Reno-Sparks, a public service program where volunteers deliver high-quality meals from locally-owned restaurants directly to vulnerable families. Launched on May 4 of this year by Lt. Governor Kate Marshall and United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra, the program delivers food to those who are low-income and at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19, reducing their risk of exposure to the virus.

Delivering with Dignity Reno-Sparks has met its over 6,000 meal potential through the help of more than 150 volunteer “Food Heroes” and nonprofit partners – including The Children’s Cabinet, Communities in Schools, Seniors in Service, Community Food Pantry and JOIN Inc. – who all teamed up to identify families in-need and deliver meals directly to the program’s beneficiaries.

Fundraising dollars also expand the program’s heightened impact. Key donors and generous sponsors to date include the City of Reno, First Independent Bank, Montrêux Cares, Dickson Realty, Codd Family Trust, Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 169, Nevada Chapter of Associated General Contractors and Michael Dermody of Dermody Properties.

“Our donors, nonprofit partners, participating restaurants, Food Heroes, organizers and supporters are what help us keep our momentum going,” said Lt. Governor Marshall. “All of these people are vital to this program continuing to stay just as strong as our launch.”

At its beginnings, Delivering with Dignity Reno-Sparks teamed up with Liberty Food & Wine Exchange to cook thousands of handcrafted meals. To continue expanding its reach in the community, the program also partnered with Blend Catering last week, allowing for even more meals to be delivered to Reno-Sparks’ most vulnerable populations.

“The impact on the community and the local restaurant industry has been incredible,” said Chef Mark Estee, Restaurateur and Delivering with Dignity partner. “On top of providing thousands of meals to needy families, several restaurant employees were able to stay employed during these unprecedented times. We cannot wait to see what new milestone comes next.”

Delivering with Dignity helps Nevada residents who meet the following “Triple Threat” criteria: at highest risk based on CDC guidelines for COVID-19; ineligible or currently not being served by any community organizations for provision of food to their homes; and financially unable to meet their food needs without leaving their home and do not have a reliable support system of friends and family to assist.

The Reno-Sparks program is always looking for more volunteers. Interested community members are encouraged to visit uwnns.org/dwd to learn more about volunteering for the program.

About Delivering with Dignity Reno-Sparks
Delivering with Dignity Reno-Sparks is a Northern Nevada organized effort to bring fresh restaurant meals to residents at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19. By bringing food from locally-owned restaurants directly to the most vulnerable populations, the program provides job security for food service workers and uplifts the spirits of those in our community battling a special circumstance of food insecurity. For more information on Delivering with Dignity Reno-Sparks, please visit DeliveringWithDignityRenoSparks.org.

Photo provided by Delivering with Dignity Reno-Sparks.

Author: Cheree Boteler