Our Mission
We aim to lighten the burden for families struggling to obtain the most basic of necessities by providing them with fresh healthy food. No one should go to bed hungry, especially not in our own community. Hunger is often overlooked, many people do not realize that 1 in 6 Americans struggle to feed themselves and their families each day. Additionally, up to 30% of children living in the Reno/Sparks area do not know when they will receive their next meal.
The struggle does not end with hunger; nutrition must be taken into account. Many families requiring assistance don’t have access to fresh and healthy foods, making it nearly impossible to meet nutritional needs. The price of fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, and milk has nearly doubled, making it almost impossible for a family of four that only receives $50.00 in food stamps to purchase nutritional food. Studies have shown that children are more likely to fall ill and perform poorly in school without proper nutrition. This can ultimately increase the risk of other diet related illnesses. Many food pantries offer primarily canned and processed foods with a long shelf life, we want to offer something more. Saint Francis Food Pantry will provide fresh produce, meat, dairy, and healthy non-perishable items. Our hope is to provide individuals in our community with the nutrition they need to lead healthy lives.
It’s all about getting real food to real families.
Our goal is to provide families with the ability to choose items that they want and need. We would like to increase sustainability by helping families receiving local, state, and federal food assistance.
The struggle does not end with hunger; nutrition must be taken into account. Many families requiring assistance don’t have access to fresh and healthy foods, making it nearly impossible to meet nutritional needs. The price of fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, and milk has nearly doubled, making it almost impossible for a family of four that only receives $50.00 in food stamps to purchase nutritional food. Studies have shown that children are more likely to fall ill and perform poorly in school without proper nutrition. This can ultimately increase the risk of other diet related illnesses. Many food pantries offer primarily canned and processed foods with a long shelf life, we want to offer something more. Saint Francis Food Pantry will provide fresh produce, meat, dairy, and healthy non-perishable items. Our hope is to provide individuals in our community with the nutrition they need to lead healthy lives.
It’s all about getting real food to real families.
Our goal is to provide families with the ability to choose items that they want and need. We would like to increase sustainability by helping families receiving local, state, and federal food assistance.
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For the 1 in 4 Americans struggling with food insecurity, access to fresh fruits and vegetables can be a considerable challenge. The cost of fresh produce, or even unfamiliarity with how to prepare and cook fruits and vegetables often means that individuals in need simply don't eat enough. As a result, nutrition gaps in their diet can often place them at a higher risk for diet-related health challenges and disease.
So, we are pleased to announce that Covenant Presbyterian Church agreed to help benefit St. Francis Food Pantry and the Community we serve. They started a Community Garden five years ago by Bob Christian a UNR Master Gardner. Members of the church cleared the area of sage brush, built planter boxes, and helped install irrigation. The garden is organic, though not certified. No fertilizers nor weed killers are used. The soil is augmented each year and store bought steer manure, mulch and peat moss. The mulch is made by chipping up last years dead plants and weeds and then turning the mulch in the soil with a rototiller. A variety of vegetables have been grown over the years - beans, squashes, peas, rhubarb, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, kale, chard, beets, carrots, egg plant, corn, pumpkins, garlic, onions, and spices. There is even an apple tree. Half of the vegetables have been donated to variety of charities - the Food Bank, The Reno Gospel Mission, St. Vincent's Kitchen, Hosanna Home and to Saint Francis of Assisi Food Pantry. |