Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada is expanding food pantry hours this week for residents affected by the Hawk Fire, including people who lost food during fire-related power outages.
The Downtown Client Choice Food Pantry and Essentials Closet at 435 Eureka Avenue in Reno will continue operating during its regular hours, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.
Additional food replacement hours will be available Wednesday and Thursday, August 26 and 27, from 3 to 5 p.m., if evacuation restrictions have been lifted and residents can safely return home.
The pantry can help replace perishable foods such as dairy products, juice, fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and frozen meals, while supplies last. Other pantry staples and essential household items may also be available.
Residents seeking food replacement assistance because of the Hawk Fire are asked to bring identification or other documentation showing they live in an area affected by the fire or related evacuation orders.
“We know that returning home after a wildfire or extended power outage can bring unexpected challenges, including opening a refrigerator or freezer and realizing that much of your food is no longer safe to eat,” said Marie Baxter, CEO of Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada. “We want families impacted by the Hawk Fire to know that Catholic Charities is here to help ease that burden and provide some of the essentials they need as they return home and begin to recover.”
Baxter said replacing the food in an entire refrigerator or freezer can create an unexpected expense for a family.
“Replacing an entire refrigerator or freezer of food can be a significant and unexpected expense for a family,” Baxter added. “This is exactly why our pantry exists to make sure our neighbors have somewhere to turn when they need a little extra help.”
More information about Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada and its food pantry programs is available at ccsnn.org.
