NV.gov
FAQs
1. What does food security mean?
Food security means to increase access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle. There are ranges of food security and food insecurity, characteristics of households and recommendations by the Committee on National Statistics (CNSTAT) of the National Academies. Find more information here.
2. What does the Office of Food Security do?
The Office of Food Security (OFS) is responsible for overseeing and monitoring the FHN Hunger Funds, providing administrative support to the Governor’s Council on Food Security (CFS), and managing the Wellness and Prevention Program within the Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH).
3. Why was the Office of Food Security created?
Difficult economic conditions in Nevada have led to an increase in the number of households that are food insecure, meaning that they do not have "access at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members." From 2007 to 2010, Nevada experienced a 50 percent increase from 10 percent to 15 percent in households that were food insecure, compared to the number of households prior to the recession (Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service).
4. How many people are food insecure in Nevada?
According to the USDA, around 12.5% of Nevadans and 1,257,000 Nevada households are food insecure.
5. How do I know if I am food insecure?
According to the USDA, you may be experiencing food insecurity if you have “limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways”.
The three least severe conditions that would result in a household being classified as food insecure are:
You are worried whether your food would run out before you got money to buy more.
The food you bought didn't last, and you didn't have money to get more.
You couldn't afford to eat balanced meals.
6. How do I know if I qualify for food insecurity programs?
You can contact your local food pantry and/or check eligibility for federal or state programs is to visit the websites below, which detail program information, eligibility requirements, applications, and contact information.
-
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
-
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Nevada WIC -
Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
7. Where can I find food pantries?
Nevada 211 website, which provides a list of pantries with their location and contact information. Contact your local health department and/or church which may be able help you directly or connect you with the needed food organization. They also may know of additional resources not widely known or found online.