Healthy Communities Coalition of Lyon and Storey Counties’ Dayton Food Pantry is seeking additional volunteers. Due to the pandemic and ripple effects such as unemployment, there has been an increase in the need for the Pantry’s services. Volunteers are needed Tuesdays-Thursdays between 9am-4pm to pack food boxes, help unload food delivery trucks and restock shelves.

Volunteers are especially needed on Tuesdays from 1pm-4pm when trucks arrive with food and extra help is needed for unloading boxes.

Extra help is particularly welcome on Wednesdays as well, when volunteers put together weekend food backpacks for students attending Dayton schools.

Volunteers range from the very young to elders, and come from all walks of life, united by the belief that no one should go hungry. Healthy Communities’ Director Wendy Madson said, “Our hearts are full of gratitude to all the volunteers – they give so much of themselves. They’re so generous with their time, skills and labor. They are key to our mission to increase access to healthy food.”

The Pantry is currently serving guests with a drive through method due to COVID-19, and volunteers and staff observe all health guidelines such as wearing masks.

The Pantry receives funding through grants, foundations, USDA, and the generous donations of businesses and individual community members in the region. The Pantry also acquires food through Food Bank of Northern Nevada and through reduced rates from many area businesses.

Please call (775) 246-7834 to inquire about volunteering, or see https://healthycomm.org/food-hub/food-pantries/dayton-food-pantry/for more details.