FISH gears up for back-to-school, looks ahead to busy holiday season around Carson City
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Sat, 08/10/2024 - 7:45am
As summer draws down and the school year begins, Friends in Service Helping, also known as FISH — a Carson City area nonprofit dedicated to providing community members in need with access to Food, Instruction, Shelter and Healthcare, is preparing for one of its busiest times of the year.
With the holiday season just around the corner, the need for community support has never been greater. FISH is calling on local residents to get involved in its upcoming food drives and support the many community members who rely on its services.
Addressing Back-to-School Needs
The start of the school year brings new financial challenges for many families, particularly as Nevada ends its COVID-era "free breakfast and lunch for all" program. Now, only students who qualify for the reduced meal program will receive subsidized meals.
To qualify for this assistance, a family of four must earn less than $40,056 annually. Families must also apply and be approved for the program to receive these benefits. With the return to these stricter eligibility requirements, many families are finding it harder to make ends meet. FISH’s food banks and other support services will be crucial in helping these families who will need to stretch their budgets even further so that children can focus on their education without worrying about where their next meal will come from.
Preparing for the Holiday Season
Every year, FISH organizes food drives to ensure that families in Carson City and surrounding areas have enough to eat during the holidays. Last year, FISH served over 7,500 households, with a significant number of those families living well below the federal poverty line.
This year, as the demand for services continues to rise, FISH is seeking volunteers to help collect, sort, and distribute food donations. The success of these events depends heavily on the dedication of community members who are willing to lend a hand.
Opportunities to Get Involved
FISH offers several ways for the community to make a positive impact:
Volunteer: Volunteering at FISH is essential to the success of its many programs throughout the year. From helping at the food bank to assisting with various community events, volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring that FISH can provide its services to those in need. Whether individuals have a few hours to spare or are looking for a regular commitment, there are numerous opportunities to get involved and make a difference in the community.
Support the Carson City Food Bank: FISH is currently hiring for positions at its Carson City food bank. This is an opportunity to join a team dedicated to addressing food insecurity in the community. Those interested in applying can contact FISH Director of Operation Lane Meyer at lane@nvfish.com for more information.
Donate: Financial contributions are vital to sustaining FISH’s programs, particularly during the busy holiday season. By donating cash toward the food bank, each dollar can be stretched further thanks to FISH’s strategic partnerships and non-profit benefits—$10 donated can buy about three times the amount of food a regular consumer can purchase with the same $10. Donations of non-perishable food items are also crucial to support families throughout the year.
Spread the Word: Sharing information about FISH and its services with friends, family, and social networks can help raise awareness and encourage others to get involved. The more people who know about FISH, the more support the organization can garner to continue its work.
Looking Ahead
As FISH prepares for the challenges of the holiday season and the new school year, there is a strong sense of optimism and determination. With the support of the community, FISH is confident that it can meet the growing needs and continue to provide essential services to those who need them most.
Community members are encouraged to stay informed about upcoming events and food drives by following the FISH Facebook page and visiting the website at www.nvfish.com. Together, the community can make this back to school and holiday season brighter for every family and ensure that no one is left behind.
