United Way of Southern Nevada’s Emergency Assistance and Community Needs Fund Keeps Food on the Table for Families Across Clark County

On World Food Day, a global observance focused on food access, United Way of Southern Nevada (UWSN) is celebrating the community support that has helped nearly 4,000 Southern Nevadans put food on the table through its Emergency Assistance and Community Needs (EACN) Fund.

The EACN Fund is a flexible, community-driven resource that delivers relief to Southern Nevadans in crisis and strengthens the nonprofit partners that provide essential services across the region. The fund was relaunched last year in response to a federal pause on Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) funding for Clark County. Since the EFSP pause, $2.3 million in federal emergency assistance previously available to Clark County has been put on hold, and UWSN is continuing to fundraise to expand support and help meet community needs.

“World Food Day is a reminder that access to nutritious food is fundamental to a healthy community,” said Samuel Rudd, President and CEO of UWSN. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors and nonprofit partners, thousands of Southern Nevadans have been able to access healthy meals during difficult times. Behind every food kit, grocery card and pantry visit is a family trying to make ends meet, and together we’re helping ensure more of our neighbors have the support they need to thrive.”

Over the past 12 months, UWSN’s food assistance programs, including the EACN Fund, have helped nearly 5,000 individuals put food on the table and distributed more than 2,800 food kits.

The EACN Fund is made possible through the generosity of corporate and community partners dedicated to helping Southern Nevadans facing hardship. Thanks to support from the NV Energy Foundation, Bank of America, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Wells Fargo, SCAN Health, SMGHA Palms Cares, AARP, VGK Foundation, Kroger, Barclays, and Salad and Go, the fund provides critical emergency assistance to individuals and families across Southern Nevada.

Through this funding, United Way of Southern Nevada and its EACN nonprofit partners provide emergency housing and utility assistance, meal kits, food distributions, grocery gift cards, and other critical services that help individuals and families meet immediate needs and remain stable during challenging times. UWSN works with the following nonprofit partners through the EACN Fund to support individuals and families across Southern Nevada:

• Family Promise of Las Vegas – Homeless Prevention & Transitional Housing Program: The program supports families with children who are experiencing homelessness or facing eviction in Clark County, providing transitional housing, short-term rental assistance, help with essentials such as utilities and food, and case management focused on housing stability, employment and financial independence.
• Helping Hands of Vegas Valley (HHOVV) – HHOVV Nutrition Program: The program serves older adults ages 60 and above on fixed incomes, providing high-quality protein and fresh produce to support balanced nutrition and overall health.
• The After Market – One Extended Family Meal Program: The program provides nutritious suppers and snacks six days per week during the school year for youth ages 2-18, along with a supportive environment that includes homework assistance and nutrition education.
• United Labor Agency of Nevada (ULAN) – Nutrition for Life Program: ULAN’s food pantry serves more than 300 families per week and offers a variety of fresh produce, dairy and frozen proteins. Its model is based on need rather than income to expand access, and neighbors also receive community resource information, USDA fact sheets and healthy recipes.

UWSN remains in close contact with local partners and federal agencies and will share updates as more information about EFSP becomes available.

UWSN is calling on individuals, businesses and organizations to give to the EACN Fund so more families can receive support, and the network of nonprofits serving Southern Nevada can continue to grow. To learn more or make a donation, visit https://uwsn.org/emergencyfund/.

The post United Way of Southern Nevada’s Emergency Assistance and Community Needs Fund Keeps Food on the Table for Families Across Clark County appeared first on Nevada Business Magazine.