Health & Nutrition

Health & Nutrition

Nutritious food plays a powerful role in long-term health and well-being. The Food Bank of Northern Nevada offers resources and programs that support individuals and families in making choices that fit their needs, reflect their culture, and help build healthier habits with the nourishing foods their bodies need.

Food Near YouCalendar

Food is Medicine 

Good health starts with good food. That’s why our Prescription Pantry program connects people managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease with the nutritious foods they need to thrive.

In partnership with local healthcare providers and neighborhood food pantries, Prescription Pantry allows individuals with a prescription to visit participating pantries once a week, with the option of multiple locations if needed. These pantries receive additional nutritious foods selected with these health conditions in mind. The program offers support with the foods needed to help people not only manage their health but also work toward optimal health.

By bridging the gap between healthcare and food access, this program helps make nutritious food not just available, but an active part of the care plan. If you think Prescription Pantry could be right for you, talk to one of our participating healthcare partners to learn more.

If you want to learn more about how to become a Prescription Pantry Program participant, please view: Prescription Pantry Program | How to Become a Participant

Healthcare Partners

  • Access to Healthcare Network of Northern Nevada | (877) 385-2345
  • Care Chest | (775) 829-2273
  • Carson Tahoe Health | (775) 445-8000
  • Carson Valley Health | (775) 782-1500
  • Community Health Alliance, Neil | (775) 329-6300
  • Community Health Alliance, Sparks | (775) 329-6300
  • Community Health Alliance, Sun Valley | (775) 329-6300
  • Community Health Alliance, Wells | (775) 329-6300
  • Northern Nevada HOPES | (775) 786-4673
  • Pyramid Lake Tribal Health Clinic | (775) 574-1018
  • Renown Health | (775) 982-4100
  • St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center | (775) 770-3000
  • Veterans Affairs | (888) 838-6256
  • Walker River Tribal Health Clinic | (775) 773-2005
  • Washoe Tribal Health Center | (775) 265-8622

Pantry Partners | Washoe County

  • Community Health Alliance: 1055 S Wells Ave | M-F: 8AM-5PM (closed daily from 12-1PM)
  • Community Health Alliance: 3915 Neil Rd | M-F: 8AM-5PM (closed daily from 12-1PM)
  • Community Health Alliance: 2244 Oddie Blvd | M-F: 8AM-5PM (closed daily from 12-1PM)
  • Community Health Alliance: 5055 Sun Valley Blvd, #100 | M-F: 8AM-5PM (closed daily from 12-1PM)
  • Renown Food Pantry: 1095 E 2 St | Th: 11AM-3PM
  • Sparks Christian Fellowship: 510 Greenbrae Dr | W: 9-10AM (seniors only), 10AM-12PM (open to all)
  • St. Francis of Assisi: 160 Hubbard Way, Suite F | M, T, Th: 1-3PM, 3rd W: 5-7PM
  • The Community Food Pantry: 1135 12 St | W: 10AM-12PM, Sa: 9-11AM

Pantry Partners | Rural Communities

  • Carson Valley Community Food Closet: 1251 Waterloo Lane, Gardnerville | M, T, W: 12:30-4PM, F: 11:30-12:30PM (seniors only), F: 12:30-3PM (open to all)
  • F.I.S.H Food Pantry: 138 E Long Street, Carson City | M-F: 9AM-5PM (closed daily from 12-1PM)
  • HCC Dayton Food Pantry: 209 Dayton Valley Rd | T, Th: 10AM-4PM, W: 7-10AM (seniors only), W: 10AM-6PM (open to all)
  • HCC Silver Stage Food Pantry: 1290 Lahontan Dr | W: 8-10AM (seniors only), W: 10AM-5PM (open to all), Th: 8AM-5PM
  • HCC Yerington Food Pantry: 502 W Bridge St | W: 9AM-5PM, Th: 9AM-4PM
  • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Food Distribution Program: 11 Brady St, Wadsworth | Appointment only: (775) 217-7344, M, F: 9-11:30AM, T, W, Th: 9AM-3:30PM (closed from 12-1PM)
  • Walker River Paiute Tribe Food Pantry: 4022 US-95, Schurz | W: 8-11:30AM (seniors only), W, Th: 1-3:30PM

SUPPORTING WELLNESS AT PANTRIES

You may notice the stoplight symbols when visiting a Food Bank partner pantry. Aside from being the cutest stoplight around, these symbols play an important role in helping you make healthy, nutritious choices.

Food gives your body the nutrients it needs to perform at its best. The Supporting Wellness at Pantries (SWAP) stoplight system makes it simple to recognize foods that promote good health. The symbols are easy to understand at a glance, removing barriers like literacy or language. SWAP ranks foods based on levels of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars — nutrients linked to higher risk of chronic disease — while emphasizing client choice. This isn’t about policing food; neighbors are always free to choose what works best for themselves and their families. SWAP simply helps make the nutritious choice the easy choice.

Developed by:

GREEN

Often

Low in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar
Supports health

All fresh fruits and vegetables
Whole eggs
Whole grain bread, pasta, tortillas
Brown rice
Skim, 1%, and 2% milk
Plain water, coffee, and tea

 

 

YELLOW

SOMETIMES

Moderate levels of fat, sodium, or added sugar
Can contribute to good health

100% fruit juice
Regular “white” bread, pasta, tortillas
White rice
Whole milk
Most peanut butter
Plain dried fruit such as raisins

 

 

RED

RARELY

High levels of fat, sodium, or added sugar
Think of as treats. Limited health benefits

Desserts such as ice cream, cookies, cake
Candy
Most processed / packaged snacks
Regular soda and juice drinks