Urgent: SNAP benefits halt on November 1st

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada is closely monitoring the impact of the federal SNAP benefit pause and actively collaborating with local organizations to address urgent food insecurity needs. Our mission is to connect people who care with causes that matter, and in this critical moment, we are working to ensure resources reach families and individuals most affected. By partnering with trusted nonprofits and community leaders, we aim to strengthen the safety net and provide meaningful support during this unprecedented challenge.

Below, with the help of Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada, The Children's Cabinet, and the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, we have put together important information on the situation and how our community can unite for the better good. 

What’s Happening?

Due to the federal government shutdown and USDA’s decision not to release contingency funds, SNAP benefits will stop nationwide next month, impacting 42 million people, including 500,000 Nevadans (1 in 6 residents).

State Action

When the federal government shutdown halted SNAP contingency funding, Nevada faced a stark reality: nearly half a million residents could lose access to essential food assistance. In response, Governor Joe Lombardo announced the $38.8 million “Food Insecurity Nevada Plan," a bold move to strengthen local food banks and prepare for an unprecedented surge in demand. The plan also calls for the Nevada National Guard to assist with food distribution, with an additional $200,000 requested for their pay. While this emergency measure cannot replace the $90 million in monthly SNAP benefits, it reflects a commitment to ensuring that no Nevadan is left behind during this crisis.

Who Will Feel the Impact?

The numbers tell a sobering story. One in six Nevadans relies on SNAP benefits, a higher rate than the national average. Among them:

• 40% are children, and one-third of households include kids.
• 29% include an elderly person, and 22% include someone with disabilities.
• Even with other income sources, 70% of households report some income, SNAP remains a lifeline for stability.

This isn’t just about food; it’s about families, seniors, and individuals who will face impossible choices without this support. The ripple effect will touch every corner of our community, from schools to healthcare to local economies.

Community Response

We are deeply grateful to the incredible nonprofit organizations stepping up to meet urgent needs in our community. Their swift action and dedication ensure that families impacted by the SNAP benefit pause have access to food and essential resources. Here’s how they are making a difference:

Food Bank of Northern Nevada

Serving as a lifeline for 77,000 residents who will lose SNAP benefits next month, the Food Bank of Northern Nevada is taking decisive action to meet this surge in need. "We are grateful to the State of Nevada and other funders for providing emergency funding to accelerate our food inventory," stated the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. These resources allow the Food Bank to purchase additional food and distribute it quickly and effectively through multiple channels:

• Partner Agency Network
  Leveraging an extensive network of 145 partner agencies, the Food Bank will ensure food reaches families across Carson, Churchill, Douglas, Elko, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Mineral, Pershing, Storey, Washoe, and White Pine counties. This effort begins the week of November 3 and will continue throughout the emergency response. Agencies are being asked to extend hours and add evening/weekend options so working families have greater access.
• Mobile Distributions
  Additional food will be added to the Food Bank’s existing 40+ mobile food distributions, which provide both non-perishable and perishable items to communities in need.
• Special Pop-Up Distributions
  To ensure families have multiple access points at the start of the month, the Food Bank will schedule special pop-up distributions. Several partner agencies will also offer additional distributions as demand persists.

While matching the $90 million monthly SNAP allocation is impossible, these efforts reflect an unwavering commitment to keep families fed during this critical time.

Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada

The region’s oldest and largest multi-service agency is expanding its reach in remarkable ways. St. Vincent’s Dining Room will now serve weekend dinners for families, and pantry hours are being extended to evenings and weekends to meet growing demand. Recognizing the unique needs of infants, Catholic Charities has launched an emergency baby formula drive. Beyond food, they continue to provide “walk-in” crisis management services at their St. Marguerite Support Services offices in Reno and Sun Valley, helping families navigate these uncertain times with dignity and care.

The Children’s Cabinet

Focused on keeping children safe and families stable, The Children’s Cabinet is scaling up wraparound case management and counseling services to prevent deeper crises. Their onsite food market offers immediate relief for families struggling to meet basic needs, while outreach efforts connect households to SNAP-adjacent resources like WIC and workforce supports. By addressing both food insecurity and the underlying stressors, such as child care and mental health, The Children's Cabinet is ensuring that children remain nourished, supported, and connected to essential services.

How You Can Help

Our community is facing an unprecedented challenge, and the solution starts with us. When SNAP benefits pause, thousands of families will struggle to put food on the table. The most effective way to help is simple: donate funds. Every dollar allows local organizations to purchase food in bulk at discounted rates, stretching resources to feed more people. If giving financially isn’t possible, consider donating your time. Volunteer with local nonprofits and be part of the hands-on effort to ensure no one goes hungry. Together, we can turn compassion into action.