The Food Bank of Northern Nevada celebrated Hunger Action Day on Tuesday with a behind-the-scenes tour of their warehouse off of USA Parkway.

The organization is one of more than 200 food banks nationwide raising awareness about hunger and food insecurity in local communities.

The group is looking for donations to help fulfill an increased demand. You can donate shelf-stable items like soups and pasta. Director of Marketing Jocelyn Lantrip says protein-packed foods like tuna and peanut butter are the best to bring in. If you don't have any extra food, there are other ways to help out.

"Cash donations are great because every dollar helps us provide three meals," Lantrip said. "If you want to volunteer, that's another fun way to get involved with the Food Bank."

Anyone can volunteer to help out at the Food Bank, as long as they're at least 10 years old and wear closed-toed shoes. Lantrip says even a little bit of time can make a big difference.

"Two hours sorting and packing food or helping us with the distribution can really help thousands of people," she said.

The Food Bank of Northern Nevada serves over 160,000 people in need every month. Lantrip says that total is a 76% increase from before the COVID-19 pandemic.

She adds that rising costs have driven up demand.

"One of the things that our neighbors are telling us is that food prices are higher, their cost of living is higher," Lantrip said. "They may be working, but it's difficult to make ends meet. "

Lantrip says she's concerned with cuts to federal programs, especially the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

"Those [cuts] will affect our Food Bank and food banks across the country very significantly," she said, "because for every meal that we provide, SNAP provides nine."

For Hunger Action Month, the Food Bank has a few events lined up to spread awareness in the community. Lantrip says it's all an effort to bring food insecurity to the front of people's minds.

"You don't think about it every day, and unfortunately, it exists all around us," she said.

The Food Bank's next event is scheduled for Saturday, September 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Raley's O-N-E Market at 18144 Wedge Parkway. It will feature a meet-and-greet with local TikTok chef Kevin Ashton.

If you want to learn more about the event or how you can support the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, click here.