LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Early Tuesday morning, MGM Resorts employees gathered at T-Mobile Arena to pack thousands of meals to be distributed in the community.

September is Hunger Action Month, a national effort that brings communities together to raise awareness about the hunger crisis in America and take action to end the crisis.

Here in Southern Nevada, more than 341,000 members of our community are food insecure, and more than 115,000 of them are children.

According to research from Three Square and Feeding America, food insecurity in Clark County has increased from 12% in 2023 to 14.6% this year, and we’re only in September.

Three Square reports that food insecurity has increased in all counties in Southern Nevada compared to last year:

• Nye County saw an increase from 13.9% to 17.3%
• Esmeralda County has seen an increase from 13.9% to 18.4%
• Lincoln County has seen an increase from 8.8% to 13.2%

What is being done to combat increasing food insecurity?

During their “Pack to Give Back” event, more than 500 MGM employees packaged 200,000 non-perishable meals for distribution by three local nonprofits: Catholic Charities, Just One Project and Lutheran Social Services.

“We’re focused on what matters,” said Maria Gatti, VP of Philanthropy and Community Engagement for MGM Resorts. “It’s important that we understand that what we do matters in our communities, whether we’re here in Southern Nevada or in any of our regions. Hunger is one of our pillars and we’re going to continue to do what we do.”

Gatti said MGM Resorts employs more than 50,000 people in Southern Nevada alone, 50,000 of whom serve members of their community.

“We’re part of the community,” Gatti said. “So some of this food might end up helping someone we know.”

MGM Resorts said the event was also held in partnership with the nonprofit Kids Around the World.

To put this into perspective

According to Three Square, 51.3 million meals are needed each year to close the gap between food demand and what is currently available.

200,000 meals is a significant decrease in the need for food. With more community help, this shortage could be reduced.

For more information about how you can help address food insecurity, visit ThreeSquare.org or FeedingAmerica.org.