By Steven Slivka (Director of Communications, School of Integrated Health Sciences)

The UNLV Food Pantry is now able to bring more food to the campus community in need, thanks to a new van to assist with food rescue efforts.

The van, created from a partnership between the UNLV Food Pantry, Three Square Food Bank and the Molasky family, will be used to pick up food from local grocery stores and taken back for those who utilize the Food Pantry’s services.

"I am very proud of this partnership between the UNLV Food Pantry, Three Square, and the Molasky family,” said UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield. "We remain committed to combating food insecurity on our campus and ensuring that our students do not go hungry when they are focusing on their studies. This van will assist in the effort, and I’m grateful for all who worked together to make this moment happen."

“With one-in-eight individuals facing food insecurity in Southern Nevada, I’m grateful that we've found a terrific partner in the UNLV Food Pantry to address this critical need among the campus and surrounding area,” said Beth Martino, president and CEO of Three Square. “These partnerships are crucial to the food bank’s pursuit of a hunger-free community, and the UNLV Food Pantry’s commitment to feed our neighbors will help alleviate the concern for those experiencing hunger on a daily basis.”

According to UNLV leadership, one-in-five students on campus experience food insecurity. The addition of the food rescue van will allow the Food Pantry to offer more quality food items to those in need.

“This new van is exactly what we needed to help take the UNLV Food Pantry to the next level,” said Ron Brown, Dean of UNLV’s School of Integrated Health Sciences, which operates and manages the Food Pantry. “This public-private partnership is a perfect example of how we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.”