Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada (CCNN) has expanded the hours and days of operation for its St. Vincent's Food Pantry and neighborhood food distribution sites in response to a sharp increase in people seeking assistance. 

“The increased demand we’ve seen in recent weeks underscores how many of our neighbors are struggling,” said Marie Baxter, CEO of Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada. “By extending our food pantry hours and offering convenient meal options, we’re working to make food assistance more accessible for families across northern Nevada.”

The organization's main food pantry and neighborhood centers in Reno will now operate under extended schedules through the end of November. 

  • St. Vincent’s – Main Campus, Bus Route 13

    • 500 E. Fourth Street, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to Noon, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

  • Sun Valley Neighborhood Center, Bus Route 5
    • 130 West Gepford Parkway, Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 12 to 4 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Moana Neighborhood Center, Bus Routes 9, 1, 6
    • 480 E. Moana Lane, Tuesday, Thursday, 12 to 4 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

CCNN also announced that “Fork Ready” meals, including prepared dishes like lasagna and skillet meals, will be available only at the Sun Valley and Moana Lane neighborhood centers.

The St. Vincent’s Dining Room will remain open Saturday and Sunday evenings through November 23, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., serving dinner for families enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

"Cause if they don't have the food stamps, how are any of these people or kids supposed to eat?" said Deirdre Steadman, food pantry visitor.

Steadman is not a SNAP recipient because they say they make just $30 to $40 over the limit. However, the family regularly visits food pantries because the help is still needed.

"Food pantry lines are even longer. This is the second or third one I've been to where the lines are longer," Steadman said. "Yesterday, I almost had a chance of missing out on a food box because the food line was longer than it should have been at a food pantry."

Steadman is also asking for lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to think about others rather than themselves.

"Don't take anything that most of us live off of, because if you do that, then it makes it harder for us," Steadman said. "People who aren't wealthy like most of you people in the government are, we're just trying to survive and take care of our families."

CCNN says they have seen people who have never been to a food pantry before. Along with many federal workers who have not been paid since the shutdown started.

More information about Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada is available at ccsnn.org.