There’s a lot of uncertainty right now for families across Northern Nevada. Between the federal shutdown and the pause in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, people who were already stretching every dollar are now facing even tougher choices — between groceries, rent, gas, or medicine.
Even one missed paycheck or delayed benefit can send a family into panic mode. And the truth is, this isn’t happening to “other people.” It’s happening to our coworkers, our neighbors, and the parents sitting next to us at school pickup.
According to Feeding America, one in seven Nevadans faces hunger daily. One in five of them is a child. Those numbers are more than statistics — they’re stories of worry, resilience, and hope.
R Town Pizza Steps Up
Before getting into the logistics of emergency distributions, let’s start with one story that captures the heart of this community.
R Town Pizza in Reno quietly shared a message that stopped a lot of people in their tracks. They announced that anyone whose SNAP benefits have been interrupted can come in for a complimentary slice, salad, and soda — no questions asked. No paperwork, no fuss, just kindness.
Owner Marvin Kinney put it simply: “If your SNAP benefits have been affected and you’re worried about where you’ll get food, just let us know. We’ll help out and feed you — no fuss.”
The restaurant also started a “giving tree” where customers can drop off grocery-store gift cards. Those cards go directly to people in need, no middleman or red tape. Any extras will later be donated to local organizations once the crisis passes.
And for those asking how to help — RTown said it best: just come in, buy pizza. Supporting them at full price keeps the doors open and helps them keep helping others.
This is what community looks like in Northern Nevada — people quietly taking care of each other when times get tough.
Emergency Food Distributions — Saturday, November 1 (9 a.m.–1 p.m.)
The Food Bank of Northern Nevada (FBNN) and Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada are working urgently to fill the growing need, offering four special food distributions this Saturday to help anyone affected by the shutdown or SNAP pause.
Food Bank of Northern Nevada (Oddie Location)
1305 Sullivan Ln (next to Jiffy Lube)
Drive-thru distribution with a walk-up option for those without vehicles
Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada
Moana Neighborhood Center — 480 E Moana Ln, Reno
Sun Valley Neighborhood Center — 130 W Gepford Pkwy
St. Rose of Lima Church — 100 Bishop Manogue Dr
St. Vincent’s Dining Hall is also serving free family dinners every Saturday and Sunday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at 325 Valley Road in Reno.
These events are open to everyone — no ID, paperwork, or questions asked. Just show up if you need food, or share this with someone who might.
You can find more resources and ongoing food distribution schedules at FBNN.org/GetHelp.
The Bigger Picture: Hunger Is Closer Than We Think
Hunger isn’t always visible. It doesn’t look like a stereotype — it looks like a mom quietly skipping dinner so her kids can eat. It looks like a senior cutting pills in half to stretch prescriptions because their grocery money ran out days ago.
As shared in edible Reno-Tahoe’s Fall 2025 feature “Fighting Food Insecurity”, food insecurity in Nevada has risen more than 70 percent since before COVID-19. The Food Bank now serves around 160,000 people every month, and nearly half of them are children and seniors.
During the pandemic, temporary increases in SNAP benefits helped ease the burden, but once those ended, seniors saw their monthly support drop by as much as 90 percent. Families lost about 30 to 40 percent. It doesn’t take long for that gap to become a crisis.
“Every dollar in SNAP equals about $1.80 in local economic benefit,” explains Jocelyn Lantrip, director of marketing and communications for the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. “When that money disappears, it’s not just families who suffer — it’s small-town grocery stores, rural markets, and everyone connected to that local economy.”
The Helpers Behind the Scenes
What’s happening right now is about more than food — it’s about connection. Dozens of local organizations and volunteers are stepping up to make sure everyone in our community is seen and cared for.
At the University of Nevada, Reno, the Pack Provisions pantry serves thousands of students each year, providing groceries and hygiene items with dignity and respect.
The Desert Farming Initiative grows fresh produce right here in Reno, selling directly to food pantries and community programs so people have access to real, nourishing food — not just canned goods.
In rural communities, Polynesian Discoveries in Lovelock distributes boxes of food and essentials each week, helping families stretch tight budgets amid rising costs.
And here in Reno, grassroots groups like Family Soup Mutual Aid are providing free food and toiletries every Tuesday at Believe Plaza downtown — no judgment, just help.
As Claire Holden, formerly with the Desert Farming Initiative, shared in the edible Reno-Tahoe story, “These food-access programs are really helping people survive.”
(Source: “Fighting Food Insecurity,” Edible Reno-Tahoe, Fall 2025.)
How to Help
If you’re in a position to help, there are plenty of ways to make a real difference — whether it’s through your wallet, your time, or your appetite.
- Donate or volunteer with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada or Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada. Each dollar donated to the Food Bank provides three meals for our neighbors in need.
- Drop off grocery-store gift cards at RTown Pizza for their giving tree. Those cards go straight to people who need them most.
- Stop by RTown Pizza for a meal. Ordering your favorite pizza, salad, or drink at full price helps keep their doors open — and ensures they can keep feeding others, too.
- Host a food drive at your business, school, or neighborhood association to support the Food Bank’s ongoing needs.
- Share this story — someone in your circle might need these resources but not know where to find them.
Every act of kindness — from a $10 gift card to a warm meal or even a simple share — adds up to something bigger.
A Community That Cares
What’s happening right now is hard, but it’s also a reminder of what makes this community extraordinary.
When things get tough, Northern Nevadans show up.
We give.
We volunteer.
We check in on our neighbors.
From warehouse workers packing boxes to nonprofits organizing food drives and restaurant owners offering a slice of comfort, the message across Northern Nevada is clear — no one is alone.
If you or someone you know needs food assistance, visit FBNN.org/GetHelp to find distributions and partner programs near you.
We’ll get through this the way we always do — together.
Sources
This story references information from verified community partners and publications, including:
- Food Bank of Northern Nevada – Press release issued October 29, 2025: “Food Bank of Northern Nevada Works with Catholic Charities for Special Distributions”.
- Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada – Program and event details verified via ccsnn.org.
- RTown Pizza – Community initiative and quotes sourced from public statement (October 2025).
- Feeding America – National hunger and SNAP benefit data.
- Edible Reno-Tahoe – “Fighting Food Insecurity,” written by Natasha Bourlin and photographed by Lou Manna, Fall 2025. Read the full story.
Hungry in Reno extends a very big thank you to these organizations and to the journalists and volunteers shining light on the fight against hunger across our region.
