A new report ranks Nevada as seventh in the nation for food hardship because so many people here have trouble putting food on the table.
The Food Research Action Center or "FRAC" released a report which shows that one in five people in Nevada just don't have the money to buy food.
Local officials are worried the federal government might cut what used to be called food stamps - and is now called the "SNAP" program or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
"SNAP is deeply embedded in the farm bill and they're looking at cutting the farm bill which could be devastating for many families already struggling here in Nevada to put food on the table."
Food pantries like this one can provide people with about 2-3 days worth of food. But many families depend on the federal "SNAP" program as well.
Pantries serve a range of people who may be unemployed, working part-time, or have had their hours reduced at work-- due to the economy. They also serve seniors on fixed incomes and people who are disabled.
Clients who may not be able to eat if the programs are cut.
"It can mean that they're skipping meals, they're not purchasing fruits and vegetables which are part of a nutritious diet. Or kids who are just eating at school and not at home," says Nowak.
Food bank officials from Nevada are participating in a day of action on Capitol Hill today to address the hunger issue with lawmakers.
Written by Jennifer Burton
