Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada’s Feed Vegas Event Aims to End Hunger in Las Vegas for a Single Day
The organization will provide more than 1,000 meals on the day of the event.
While hunger continues to be an ever-present issue throughout the Las Vegas valley, Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada (CCSN), will attempt to completely eradicate the problem for a single day through its “Feed Vegas” celebration, which is held in honor of the organization’s 77th anniversary.
As one of the largest nonprofit social service providers in the state, Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, is well known for offering a wide range of services to help the homeless and vulnerable and is no stranger to taking on the challenge of mitigating hunger insecurity in Las Vegas.
“Feed Vegas has been created as a way to celebrate a long-standing tradition of hosting a special gourmet meal for our community members as well as take a legitimate step towards ending hunger in the Las Vegas Valley,” says CCSN President and CEO Deacon Tom Roberts. “Every journey starts with a single step or in our case, a single day.”
According to Roberts, one of the most important services the organization offers is food, which impacts the lives of the most at-risk members of our community each and every day. And while CCSN has the capacity to serve nearly 1.9 million meals throughout the year and over 1,000 meals on the day of the event, they do not have the capacity to tackle the problem alone.
Recent data shows that almost 300,000 people, or about 15 percent of valley residents, suffer from food insecurity, which means they lack access to enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle.
“We understand that this isn’t an issue that can be solved in a single day, which is why we’re calling on the Las Vegas community for help,” says Roberts. “Each meal we serve costs us approximately $2.50. That means even a small donation can help us a provide a nutritious meal to a lot of people.”
In addition to monetary donations, which can be given through the CCSN website or Amazon Smiles, the organization is asking for volunteers as well.
“Money is important, but volunteers are also critical to the success of our organization, says Roberts. “We couldn’t do what we do without them. We need help in the food pantry, plating meals for Meals on Wheels, and serving in the dining room seven days a week.”
According to Roberts, the community is also encouraged to donate food.
“Our Hands of Hope Community Food Pantry offers a grocery store setting to allow some of the community’s most vulnerable members to choose the groceries that are best for their families,” says Robert. “Contributions from the community of non-perishable food items are what makes this program possible.”
The Feed Vegas celebration will be held Thursday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the St. Vincent Lied Dining Facility, 1511 N Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89101.
To learn more about Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada’s or its Feed Vegas event, please visit www.catholiccharities.com.
About Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada
Since 1941, the mission of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada has been to serve those in need — the most vulnerable — regardless of race, religion or creed. This leading community resource offers help and hope with dignity as it strives to meet the diverse needs of men, women and children in Southern Nevada. Through the generosity of foundations, grants, organizations and individual donors, Catholic Charities operates 18 programs providing support to more than 5,000 people daily and encompassing five core areas: Family Services, Food Services, Senior Services, Immigration and Refugee Services and Homeless and Housing Services. Catholic Charities also operates the largest Meals on Wheels program and Emergency Shelter Services in Southern Nevada. For additional information, please visit CatholicCharities.com.