If you are struggling with hunger, we have a variety of programs to help.
Join us for the next Family Health Festival on Wednesday, October 9 from 3:00-6:00pm at O’Brien Middle School. Visit the Family Health Festival page for details on resources available during this event.
Subsection:rrcb_subsection_viewmodel Object
(
[ID] => 423
[imageUrl] => https://www.fbnn.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/PXL_20220201_173520341.PORTRAIT-01_2-315x235-1.jpeg
[imageTitle] => Food Finder
[imageSize] => subpage-flipbox
[headerCopy] => Food Finder
[summary] => Get information on where and when to access to food rescources. Use the map to locate distributions near you, or view the calendar to find distributions on days/times that work best for you.
[body] =>
Explore the Food Bank and Partner Distributions Locator and Calendar for all food resources available to help you meet your food needs. You can also scroll down to view and download PDFs of the monthly calendar for all Food Bank programs and lists of our partner food pantries with their service hours.
PLEASE NOTE: Food distributions are not held at the Food Bank’s warehouse. If you are in need of food assistance, we ask that you review the resources listed here or call with questions about locations and schedules for distributions. We may not be able to accommodate requests for food assistance from those who arrive at the Food Bank warehouse.
Food Bank and Partner Distributions Locator and Calendar
Get information on where and when to access to food rescources. Use the map to locate distributions near you, or view the calendar to find distributions on days/times that work best for you.
Explore the Food Bank and Partner Distributions Locator and Calendar for all food resources available to help you meet your food needs. You can also scroll down to view and download PDFs of the monthly Mobile Harvest calendar, lists of our partner food pantries with their service hours, and the TEFAP distribution schedule.
PLEASE NOTE: Food distributions are not held at the Food Bank’s warehouse. If you are in need of food assistance, we ask that you review the resources listed here or call with questions about locations and schedules for distributions. We may not be able to accommodate requests for food assistance from those who arrive at the Food Bank warehouse.
Partner Food Pantries
The Food Bank of Northern Nevada distributes food to local food pantries so that people and families can receive a bag of groceries and other emergency food assistance close to their own neighborhoods. These food pantries are open to help on different days of the week and at various times during those days. Those in need of food assistance can find a variety of resources available through our partner agencies and direct service programs.
Access to nutritious, healthful food is vital for the community members we serve. Throughout the month, the Food Bank’s Mobile Harvest program visits neighborhoods across northern Nevada and eastern California to distribute produce and other fresh food items to clients. All community members in need of food assistance are welcome to visit Mobile Harvest. There are no qualification requirements, and each household may pick up food from a Mobile Harvest distribution once per week.
Many Mobile Harvest distributions are currently being run as a drive-through format. When you arrive at a drive-through site, please be sure to pay close attention to all signs, as well as staff and volunteers directing traffic. We kindly ask that you remain in your vehicle the entire time. Your groceries will be loaded into your vehicle for you; please have the door unlocked and ensure that there is space available for the food.
Those without transportation are still welcome to visit drive-through Mobile Harvest sites and will be served via a walk-up line.
Other sites will be using our walk-up distribution model. All walk-up sites will marked accordingly on the monthly schedule.
When attending a walk-up site, please remember to bring your own bags for us to pack your selected items into. We cannot guarantee that we will have bags available for those who don’t have their own.
Note about TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program): TEFAP is a federal program run by the USDA that provides food assistance based on income guidelines. Occasionally, some produce at Mobile Harvest distributions comes from TEFAP, meaning only those who meet the program’s income eligibility can receive those specific items. However, even if you don’t qualify for TEFAP, you’re still welcome to visit Mobile Harvest and receive all the other food items available that aren’t part of TEFAP.
Intake & check-in
Intake Form: During your first visit to Mobile Harvest, and once per year after, we will need to collect an Intake Form from you. Please know that your responses to the questions on this form are completely confidential and in no way impact your ability to receive food assistance through Mobile Harvest. If you have a printer available to you, you can make the intake process on-site even faster by downloading and completing this form prior to arriving at the site. English Intake Form | Spanish Intake Form
Barcode IDs: If you have an ID that has a barcode on it, we ask that you provide this during check-in, as it can greatly speed up the check-in process. Please note, IDs are not required, and you will still be happily served with or without one. This request simply helps to move the line along more quickly.
Having others pick food up on your behalf
If you are unable to make it to a distribution for any reason, you may have a friend/family member pick up your food if you have completed an Authorization Form and designated the person on this form. You may designate up to three people to pick up food on your behalf. Your household may still only receive food once per week, regardless of who is attending the distribution.
If you have not already completed the Authorization Form, you may download and complete it here and have the person bring it with them to the distribution: English | Spanish
Please note, you must already have a form on file with us OR the person attending the distribution must bring the form completed and signed by you with them, or we will not be able to allow them to pick up food on your behalf.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that provides food commodities at no cost to Americans in need of short-term hunger relief through food providers like emergency food pantries, food banks, soup kitchens and shelters.
The types of USDA foods expected to be available are juices, canned fruits and vegetables, canned and/or frozen meats, dry beans, and pastas. Food may be picked up once per month at a designated location. There will be no make-up benefits. If you do not participate during a month at your designated location, you will lose your benefits for that month.
For questions regarding eligibility or distribution, contact Chris Gleim, Commodities and Procurement Programs Supervisor, at (775) 331-3663 ext 129.
To Qualify:
ID and proof of Nevada residency is required for the receipt of USDA food
Each household must read the “Self Declaration Assurance” and certify eligibility by signing the issuance sheet that their household income does not exceed 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. View the TEFAP income eligibility guidelines here.
For each additional household member add $793.00 per month
Subsection:rrcb_subsection_viewmodel Object
(
[ID] => 417
[imageUrl] => https://www.fbnn.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Kids_Meals_IMG-scaled-1-315x235-1.jpg
[imageTitle] => Meals for Kids
[imageSize] => subpage-flipbox
[headerCopy] => Meals for Kids
[summary] => We are here to help connect kids with free nutritious meals that can help children learn, grow and thrive.
[body] =>
Explore the Food Bank and Partner Distributions Locator and Calendar for all food resources available to help you meet your food needs.
PLEASE NOTE: Food distributions are not held at the Food Bank’s warehouse. If you are in need of food assistance, we ask that you review the resources listed here or call with questions about locations and schedules for distributions. We may not be able to accommodate requests for food assistance from those who arrive at the Food Bank warehouse.
Free Meals for Kids During the Washoe County School District Fall Break
Kids in Washoe County will be out of school for Fall Break October 7-11, and Kids Cafe will be offering free lunch to kids at four locations during the break. All meals are required to be eaten on-site. Children do not have to attend any programming taking place at the site in order to be served a meal.
Meals are available at the following sites:
Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center: Monday-Friday | Breakfast – 8:30-9:00am | Lunch: 12:00-12:30pm
North Valleys Library: Monday – Friday | Lunch: 11:30am-12:00pm
Throughout the school year, the Kids Cafe Dinner Program serves after school meals at several schools and community centers throughout the Reno/Sparks area. The dinner program does not run when school is not in session; however, during scheduled school breaks, lunch is typically available at a handful of sites across Reno/Sparks.
Meals are available at no charge for all children and youth ages 2-18.
Children do not have to attend any after school programming being offered at the time of meal service in order to be served dinner.
The Food Bank of Northern Nevada’s Kids Cafe program also offers free breakfast/snack and lunch to children 2-18 years old throughout summer break. Meals are served at a variety of community locations throughout the summer
Non-Citizens & USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Programs Non-citizens and their family members may be eligible to participate in several programs operated by the Food and Nutrition Service, including meals for kids. Applying for or receiving benefits DOES NOT make someone a “public charge.” Visit the USDA’s Non-Citizen Communities webpage for more details.
Subsection:rrcb_subsection_viewmodel Object
(
[ID] => 7358
[imageUrl] => https://www.fbnn.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Sherman-315x235.jpg
[imageTitle] => Serving Seniors
[imageSize] => subpage-flipbox
[headerCopy] => Serving Seniors
[summary] => The Food Bank of Northern Nevada offers a variety of programs to ensure seniors have access to the food they need to stay healthy.
[body] =>
Explore the Food Bank and Partner Distributions Locator and Calendar for all food resources available to help you meet your food needs.
PLEASE NOTE: Food distributions are not held at the Food Bank’s warehouse. If you are in need of food assistance, we ask that you review the resources listed here or call with questions about locations and schedules for distributions. We may not be able to accommodate requests for food assistance from those who arrive at the Food Bank warehouse.
Golden Groceries Pantries
The Food Bank is working closely with our partner food pantries to establish food pantry locations and hours focused exclusively on serving our senior clients. We’re excited to see this program grow over the next several months.
Partner pantries currently offering senior-only hours are:
Sparks Christian Fellowship – 510 Greenbrae Dr, Sparks| Every Wednesday 9:00-10:00am
Center of Influence – 1095 E Taylor St, Reno | Every Thursday 10:00-11:00am
Healthy Communities Coalition Dayton Food Pantry – 209 Dayton Valley Rd., Dayton | Every Tuesday 7:00-10:00am
Healthy Communities Coalition Silver Stage Food Pantry – 1290 Lahontan St., Silver Springs | Every Wednesday and Thursday 8:00-10:00am
Salvation Army – 1560 Main Street, Susanville, CA | Monday through Friday 8:00-9:00am
Eureka Senior Center – 20 W. Gold St., Eureka | Second Tuesday of the month from 1-2:30 pm
Senior Nutrition & Wellness program / Senior Boxes
Through the Senior Nutrition and Wellness Program (SNWP), the Food Bank of Northern Nevada provides a monthly box of nutritious food to low-income seniors 60 years and over. Boxes are distributed at more than 40 locations across Reno, Sparks, and rural northern Nevada. Program participants are provided with a box of supplemental food items, which may include canned meat; vegetables; fruit; cereal, pasta, rice, or potatoes; evaporated or dry milk; dry beans or peanut butter; and American cheese each month. View the USDA’s Nutrition in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program Food Package flyer for nutrition information and tips.
Guests visiting the SNWP/Senior Box distributions are also able to access fresh fruits and vegetables while picking up their monthly box.
View the Senior Nutrition & Wellness (formerly CSFP) Distribution Schedule: Washoe County: October 2024
Rural Counties: October 2024
Eligible clients are required to provide monthly gross income, proof of residency in the state of NV, and a photo ID
The Senior Nutrition and Wellness Program is part of the USDA’s Commodity and Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) and is administered by the Nevada State Department of Administration, Purchasing Division; Food Distribution Program. For more information on either of these programs, or to inquire about whether you may qualify, please contact (775) 331-3663 ext 158.
Non-Citizens & USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Programs Non-citizens and their family members may be eligible to participate in several programs operated by the Food and Nutrition Service, including CSFP. Applying for or receiving benefits DOES NOT make someone a “public charge.” Visit the USDA’s Non-Citizen Communities webpage for more details.
The Food Bank’s Produce on Wheels program focuses on providing access to healthy, nutritious foods that can often be out of reach when living on a fixed income. Produce on Wheels delivers fresh produce to clients at senior living communities and senior centers across northern Nevada. During each distribution, seniors are provided with small, manageable quanitities of a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Clients are welcome and encouraged to attend both distributions held at their assigned site each month.
For more information on Produce on Wheels, please contact Sean Meeks at (775) 331-3663 ext 142.
Eligibility:
Participants must be at least 60 years of age
Must have a valid ID and be willing to complete a brief Intake Form and Survey
There are NO income restrictions for this program.
Help with snap
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/formerly food stamps) is an important program for struggling seniors and others . The Food Bank of Northern Nevada offers SNAP Outreach to help connect eligible clients to these vital benefits. Our team is available to answer questions regarding eligibility and can even assit with the application process. Visit the SNAP Help page for more information and to view the current schedule for our Snap Outreach team.
[callToActionCopy] => Find Out More
[callToActionUrl] => https://www.fbnn.org/gethelp/seniors/
[callToActionTarget] =>
[hideInlineSizes] =>
[tag] =>
[showFunction] =>
)
Subsection:rrcb_subsection_viewmodel Object
(
[ID] => 419
[imageUrl] => https://www.fbnn.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/SNAP-Postcard-315x235.jpg
[imageTitle] => SNAP Help
[imageSize] => subpage-flipbox
[headerCopy] => SNAP Help
[summary] => If you are struggling, we can help you apply for SNAP assistance to help make ends meet.
[body] =>
Explore the Food Bank and Partner Distributions Locator and Calendar for all food resources available to help you meet your food needs.
PLEASE NOTE: Food distributions are not held at the Food Bank’s warehouse. If you are in need of food assistance, we ask that you review the resources listed here or call with questions about locations and schedules for distributions. We may not be able to accommodate requests for food assistance from those who arrive at the Food Bank warehouse.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/formerly food stamps) is an important program for struggling families, seniors, and others. The Food Bank of Northern Nevada offers SNAP Outreach to help connect eligible clients to these vital benefits.
If you or someone you know may be eligible for SNAP benefits, our SNAP Outreach staff can help you with:
• Answering questions about income guidelines and other qualification requirements
• Helping applicants to fill out and submit their application
• Conducting the required interview portion of the application process
• Accepting and verifying required documentation for the application process
• Requesting information about the status of an application or current SNAP case
The SNAP Outreach team is also available to help fill out your SNAP Application over the phone.
You may bring your completed application to any SNAP Outreach site. We’ll also be happy to assist you, if needed, in completing the form.
Clients living outside of Washoe County may also reach a SNAP Outreach staff member for assistance with applying for benefits by contacting our SNAP hotline at (775) 331-3663, ext. 152, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
snap AND DOUBLE UP FOOD BUCKS at farmers markets
Did you know SNAP benefits can be used at farmers markets? And if that wasn’t enough great news, you can make your SNAP dollars go even further at your local farmers market thanks to the Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) program! If you receive SNAP benefits, you’re automatically eligible for Double Up Food Bucks. Simply buy $1 in SNAP eligible produce using your SNAP/EBT card and receive $1 in free fruits and vegetables, up to $20 per day, in the form of tokens or coupons that can be used at the same farmers market to purchase even more produce!
How does it work?
Step 1: Buy fruits and/or veggies
Step 2: Pay with SNAP card
Step 3: Earn a $1 DUFB back for every $1 spent.
Download the SNAP at Farmers Markets Brochure to help spread the word. EnglishSpanish
Farmers Markets that Accept SNAP
This list is subject to change. Check with your local farmers market to see if they have been authorized to accept SNAP/EBT.
Riverside Farmers Market: All-year Every Sunday, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. (time subject to change based on season)
925 Riverside Dr., Reno, NV 89503
Tamarack Junction Farmers Market: June – September Every Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
13101 S Virginia St., Reno, NV 89511
Village Farmers Market: June – October Every Saturday, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
1119 California St., Reno, NV 89501
Reno Food Systems at Park Farm: April – October Every Sunday, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
3295 Mayberry Dr., Reno, NV 89509
Sparks Methodist Church Market: June – September Every Tuesday, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
1231 Pyramid Way, Sparks, NV 89431
Fernley Poolside Farmers Market: June – September Every Saturday, 8 a.m – 12 p.m.
300 Cottonwood Lane, Fernley, NV 89406
Dayton Farmers Market: June – September Every Thursday, 3 a.m. – 6 p.m.
60 2nd Ave., Dayton, NV 89403
Carson Farmers Market: June – October Every Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
500 N Carson St., Carson City, NV 89703
Additional Resources for Those Who Receive SNAP Benefits
Did you know that receiving SNAP benefits may also make you eligible for these other assistance programs?
Summer EBT Food Benefit: If your kids are enrolled in the free and reduced school lunch program or you are already enrolled in SNAP, you should automatically receive $120.00 for each of your school aged children for the summer months school is out. The benefits will automatically be placed on your EBT cards.
Energy Assistance Program: You may be eligible for the Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP with their heating and cooling energy costs, bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance, weatherization, and energy-related home repairs. If your income is less than $45,000 a year for a family of four, you can apply for the program.
To be eligible for this benefit program, you must need financial assistance with home energy costs. An individual or families participating benefit programs, such as SNAP, SSI, TANF, may be automatically eligible.
Discount Telephone Assistance: Some telephone companies offer low-income discounts though the Lifeline Program. If you receive SNAP, TANF, WIC, Medicaid, or federal housing assistance you may qualify. Some people may receive a free mobile phone with limited free minutes.
To apply:
Go to ACPBenefit.org to apply or print out a mail-in application; and
Contact your preferred participating provider to select a plan and have the discount applied to your bill.
SNAP Employment and Education Assistance: If you get SNAP, you can enroll in free employment and training through Nevada’s employment and training program. This program may be able to offer tuition assistance, financial literacy programs, childcare assistance, and job seeking assistance.
WIC: Woman, Infants & Children: If you get SNAP and are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a child under the age of 5, you may be eligible for WIC nutrition benefits without any additional income verification. You can also apply for WIC even if you are currently enrolled in SNAP.
Double Up Food Bucks: Participating farmers markets and grocery stores offer $1 dollar back for every dollar spent on fresh fruits and vegetables – up to $20 per day – when you use your SNAP EBT card. Check with the farmer’s markets in your neighborhood to see if they participate in the program.
Non-Citizens & USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Programs Non-citizens and their family members may be eligible to participate in several programs operated by the Food and Nutrition Service, including SNAP. Applying for or receiving benefits DOES NOT make someone a “public charge.” Visit the USDA’s Non-Citizen Communities webpage for more details.
Subsection:rrcb_subsection_viewmodel Object
(
[ID] => 421
[imageUrl] => https://www.fbnn.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/PXL_20210319_190250638.PORTRAIT-01-scaled-315x235-1.jpeg
[imageTitle] => Health & Nutrition
[imageSize] => subpage-flipbox
[headerCopy] => Health & Nutrition
[summary] => Knowledge is power and our nutrition team works to offer tips and tricks of how to eat healthy on a budget.
[body] =>
An E-Newsletter for Neighbors Served by Food Bank Programs & Partners
We’d love to keep you up-to-date on distribution schedules & changes, special events, and more. That’s why we’re launching Nourish., a brand new e-newsletter. Sign up today to join the mailing list.
Nutrition on Wheels at Distributions
Nutrition on Wheels (NOW) is provided by the Food Bank at Mobile Harvest and Produce on Wheels distribution sites. The Food Bank’s Mobile Harvest & Produce on Wheels trucks deliver fruits and vegetables into 40+ neighborhoods every month, year round. Families who otherwise cannot access or afford to buy fresh produce come to meet the truck at a site in their neighborhood, and go home with a generous supply of produce and other perishable foods, including dairy, yogurt, etc. While they are waiting to check-in, a bilingual nutrition educator sets up a table and talks with clients about pertinent nutrition topics in the form of short nutrition lessons.
You may notice the symbols from this stoplight when visiting a Food Bank partner pantry. Aside from being the cutest stoplight we’ve ever seen, the symbols can play an important role in helping you make healthy and nutritious choices while visiting a food pantry.
Food supplies the nutrients needed to fuel your body so you can perform your best. The SWAP stoplight system is a simple way to recognize foods that promote health and good nutrition when visiting food banks and food pantries. SWAP ranks foods based on levels of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars because these nutrients are linked with increased risk of chronic diseases.
GREEN – CHOOSE OFTEN
Low in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar; supports health
Some examples of GREEN foods include:
All fresh fruits and vegetables
Whole eggs
Whole grain bread, pasta, tortillas
Brown rice
Skim, 1%, and 2% milk
Plain water, coffee, and tea
YELLOW – CHOOSE SOMETIMES
Moderate levels of fat, sodium, or added sugar; can contribute to good health
Some examples of YELLOW foods include:
100% fruit juice
Regular “white” bread, pasta, tortillas
White rice
Whole milk
Most peanut butter
Plain dried fruit such as raisins
RED – CHOOSE RARELY
High levels of fat, sodium, or added sugar; think of as treats; limited health benefits
Some examples of RED foods include:
Desserts such as ice cream, cookies, cake
Candy
Most processed / packaged snacks
Regular soda and juice drinks
SWAP was developed by the Institute for Hunger Research & Solutions at Connecticut Foodshare.
For more information about the Food Bank’s nutrition programs, please contact director of programs, Sarah Sanchez, at (775) 331-3663 ext 114.
Subsection:rrcb_subsection_viewmodel Object
(
[ID] => 11290
[imageUrl] => https://www.fbnn.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PXL_20220727_155948595.PORTRAIT-01-scaled-315x235-1.jpeg
[imageTitle] => Family Health Festival
[imageSize] => subpage-flipbox
[headerCopy] => Family Health Festival
[summary] => Family Health Festivals are free events that connect the community to local health and community resource.
[body] =>
Family Health Festivals (FHF) are free events that connect the community to local health and community resources, all in an effort to make small steps to a healthier life for all.
The Family Health Festival provides an opportunity for the community to connect to a variety of local education, employment, food, health, housing, safety, and transportation resources. Free services offered at the FHFs typically include the Food Bank’s Mobile Harvest, assistance with applying for SNAP (food stamps) benefits, immunizations, dental screenings, along with a wide variety of other resources.
Family Health Festivals are a collaborative service brought to you by a committee of local non-profit, civic, and healthcare organizations, including: Northern Nevada Public Health, Food Bank of Northern Nevada, United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra, Community Health Alliance, Northern Nevada HOPES, Community Services Agency, Family Resource Center, Molina Healthcare, and Health Plan of Nevada.
A new e-newsletter for neighbors served by Food Bank programs & partners.
We'd love to keep you up-to-date on distribution schedules, special events, and more. Sign up below: