As food insecurity continues to rise across Nevada, The MolinaCares Accord (“MolinaCares”), in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Nevada (“Molina”), has announced a significant investment to support communities struggling to meet basic nutritional needs. Through grants totaling $187,000, the organizations have provided critical funding to Three Square Food Bank, which serves Southern Nevada, and the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, helping both organizations respond to growing demand for food assistance throughout the state.
The donations come at a time when food banks across Nevada are experiencing sustained increases in need, driven by economic pressures, inflation, and a recent surge tied to the temporary federal government shutdown, which disrupted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for many families. For households already living on the edge, the interruption of federal nutrition support pushed many to seek help from food pantries for the first time.
Rising Food Insecurity Across Nevada
Food insecurity remains a pressing challenge in Nevada, affecting both urban and rural communities. According to data from Feeding America, approximately 15% of Nevadans experience food insecurity—well above the national average. This statistic reflects the growing number of individuals and families who lack consistent access to enough nutritious food to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
In Southern Nevada, the situation has become increasingly urgent. Three Square Food Bank reports that more than 377,000 people in the region currently experience food insecurity. This represents an increase of over 36,000 individuals compared to the previous year and raises the local food insecurity rate to 16%. These figures underscore the scale of need facing the region’s largest hunger relief organization.
In the months leading up to the government shutdown that began on October 1, Three Square experienced a 16% increase in demand for food assistance. Notably, approximately 75% of individuals visiting food pantries during that period were first-time visitors, signaling that many households were encountering food insecurity for the first time.
Supporting Emergency Response Efforts in Southern Nevada
The grant from MolinaCares will help Three Square Food Bank strengthen its emergency response efforts, ensuring that food assistance remains available during periods of heightened demand. These efforts include distributing food through partner pantries, mobile food distribution sites, and other community-based programs designed to reach individuals and families most in need.
“This generous donation enables us to continue the work we are doing to meet a critical need here in Southern Nevada,” said Beth Martino, president and CEO of Three Square Food Bank. “We are grateful to Molina for partnering with us in our mission to improve access to food in our community.”
Martino emphasized that partnerships with organizations like Molina are essential to maintaining food distribution levels, particularly during times of economic uncertainty and sudden increases in need. With rising housing costs, transportation expenses, and healthcare bills, many families are being forced to make difficult choices between paying for essentials and putting food on the table.
Addressing Hunger in Northern Nevada
Northern Nevada has also seen a steady rise in food insecurity over the past year. Within the Food Bank of Northern Nevada’s service area, the food insecurity rate increased from 11.4% to 12.3%, while Washoe County experienced a jump from 12.9% to 14.0%. Similar to trends observed in the southern part of the state, the food bank reported an increase in visitors during the government shutdown, as families sought assistance to bridge gaps caused by delayed or reduced SNAP benefits.
With support from MolinaCares, the Food Bank of Northern Nevada will be able to provide an estimated 150,000 meals to individuals and families facing hunger. These meals will be distributed through a network of partner agencies, food pantries, and direct distribution programs serving both urban centers and rural communities.
“The support of organizations like Molina means so much,” said Nicole Lamboley, president and CEO of Food Bank of Northern Nevada. “Together, we know we can improve the lives of so many by bridging the gap and providing resources that many may not otherwise be able to obtain.”
Lamboley noted that food banks are increasingly serving individuals who are employed but still struggle to make ends meet due to rising living costs. The additional funding allows the organization to scale up operations, purchase nutritious food, and reach more people across its expansive service area.
Addressing Social Determinants of Health
Molina’s investment in food security reflects a broader commitment to addressing social determinants of health—the non-medical factors that significantly influence health outcomes. Access to nutritious food plays a foundational role in overall health, impacting everything from chronic disease management to mental well-being and childhood development.
This latest round of grants builds on Molina’s earlier investments in Nevada aimed at expanding access to care and supporting community-based initiatives. In addition to food insecurity, Molina has focused on other critical areas such as behavioral health, maternal health, and workforce development, recognizing that health outcomes are deeply interconnected with social and economic stability.
Together, these initiatives have brought Molina’s total charitable giving in Nevada in 2025 to more than $2 million, reinforcing the organization’s long-term commitment to improving the health and well-being of residents statewide.
A Commitment to Community Health
“Food is foundational to community health and wellness, which is why Molina and The MolinaCares Accord eagerly answered the call to help food banks keep up with the rising demand,” said Rob Baughman, plan president of Molina Healthcare of Nevada. “We are committed to Nevada and commend the tireless work these organizations are doing to feed our neighbors.”
Baughman emphasized that investing in food security not only addresses immediate hunger but also helps prevent long-term health issues that can arise from poor nutrition. By supporting food banks, Molina aims to create stronger, healthier communities while reducing barriers that prevent individuals from accessing essential resources.
Looking Ahead
As economic pressures continue to affect households across Nevada, organizations like Three Square Food Bank and the Food Bank of Northern Nevada remain on the front lines of hunger relief. Partnerships with healthcare organizations such as MolinaCares are increasingly vital to ensuring these food banks can respond effectively to surges in demand and continue serving their communities with dignity and compassion.
Through its collaboration with local nonprofits, MolinaCares is helping to strengthen the safety net for Nevada families, ensuring that access to nutritious food remains available—even in times of uncertainty. The $187,000 investment represents more than financial support; it reflects a shared commitment to addressing hunger as a critical component of community health and resilience.
About The MolinaCares Accord
Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc.
About Molina Healthcare of Nevada
Molina Healthcare of Nevada, Inc. provides government-funded, quality health care, serving members through Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace programs in Nevada. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces.
