LAS VEGAS — About 16% of people in Clark County struggle with food insecurity, according to Three Square Food Bank. It’s a tough number, but organizations like Three Square are stepping up to help.
Inside Three Square’s Hunger Campus, vital work is happening. The call center is a crucial space where staff members take calls from community members looking for food assistance, SNAP benefits, and other support. Nolga Valadez, who manages the Senior Hunger Campus, emphasizes the importance of this service. “We get many calls from people seeking help,” she explains.
Three Square’s Golden Groceries program, designed for those aged 60 and older, operates here. Since the pandemic, Valadez has led this initiative. “We expanded our space to reach more people,” she shares. The demand for assistance has noticeably increased. They’re hearing from many who never thought they’d need help before.
“People are often facing tough choices. Should I buy food, pay my bills, or afford my medications?” Valadez points out. “Places like ours are essential because we see those who previously managed fine now reaching out for help.”
The call center also assists with Medicaid applications. Valadez recalls one impactful story: “We helped a woman without insurance sign up for Medicaid. Thanks to our support, she visited the doctor and discovered she had breast cancer early. This kind of help really showcases our work’s importance.”
For Valadez, this mission holds personal meaning. Her family immigrated from Cuba and experienced food insecurity firsthand. “There were days when we didn’t know if we would have a next meal. Helping others now gives me purpose,” she reflects.
This work is crucial, especially now. A recent study shows that food insecurity rates have risen since the pandemic, affecting millions across the U.S. In Clark County, the challenges are particularly pressing, as many locals are still feeling the economic impact.
Valadez’s dedication, along with the efforts of Three Square, illustrates how a community can come together to support its members during hard times. As the call center continues to receive requests, it’s clear the need for these resources remains strong.
For more on the challenges of food insecurity and ways to help, check out sources like the USDA’s Overview of Food Security in the U.S. for updated data and insights.
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