Lutheran Social Services of Nevada gets helping hand to combat food insecurity

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Hundreds of people packed the parking lot at Lutheran Social Services of Nevada (LSSN) located off Boulder Highway and Twain Monday afternoon for an event to combat food insecurity. The organization has teamed up with the Connex Foundation, a charity organization to feed the community.

Martin Malmberg, LSSN director of funding and grants said they’ve been working with more big corporations to help them serve more people. Malmberg has seen the need grow even after the pandemic due to rising costs of rent and inflation.

“So, a lot of people are on a fixed income, so they might only actually have $1200 to $1400 of social security,” Malmberg remarked. “Then their rent is $1,100. So how are they going to survive if they’re only getting $300 more than the cost of their rent?”

This past summer, LSSN even extended their food pantry hours to 7 days a week. Connex Foundation board member Natalie Walchonski hopes to keep that pantry full so LSSN can stay open longer.

“We put together 24,000 pounds of food this morning as well as filling their pantry til October 1 and giving another donation November 1 to help bring toys and anything they would need through the holiday season,” Walchonski explained.

Connex Foundation executive director Cary Richmond said every bit of help goes a long way.

“We’re all experiencing the rise of groceries and gas and all those things and it’s really affecting us so to be able to give all these different types of food, protein and some of the grains and vegetables, stuff they need is so important for that well-balanced meal that they need and their kids need,” Richmond added. “So, we’re happy to be a part of it.”

About 10 other local agencies were also in attendance to provide workforce help, education and health services and over 60 volunteers came out to help pack food.

This is just one of many events LSSN is hoping to continue every year.

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