Nearly a year after concerns over a federal government shutdown and potential disruptions to food assistance programs sent thousands of Southern Nevadans to food pantries, demand for emergency food assistance remains elevated as families continue to grapple with rising living expenses.
Three Square Food Bank, the only food bank serving our valley, said increasing costs for essentials such as groceries and fuel continue to strain household budgets, forcing more residents to seek help.
During last year’s shutdown concerns, many families worried about losing access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and turned to local food distribution sites for support.
“I’m so worried about the government shutdown and if they are going to cut off my benefits,” resident Jasmine Ellazar said at the time…