Virgin Valley Food Bank Director and volunteers Leslee Montgomery, Gladys Smith and Nettie Stiner are grateful recipients of over 3,000 meals packed and donated by 140 Southwest Gas employees during their Feed the Funnel Party held on Saturday, July 27. Meals were delivered to the Virgin Valley Food Bank on Monday, July 29. Submitted photo

Tackling the hunger issue in Southwest Gas’ service territories is one of the company’s key community initiatives. One-in-eight households in Nevada currently face hunger issues, and Southwest Gas employees are focusing  on giving and volunteer efforts to help alleviate the problem in local communities.

On Saturday, July 27, Southwest Gas hosted a “Feed the Funnel Party.”

Employees and their families from the Southwest Gas BLUE, Building Lives Up Everywhere,” volunteer team packed more than 30,000 meals to benefit individuals facing food shortages in the area. Southwest Gas partnered with The Pack Shack, a national organization that seeks to increase awareness about hunger issues.

The Pack Shack began in 2013 after months of conversations regarding the needs of individuals and families within communities. During that time, they talked with and listened to many people and organizations who have an interest in the well-being of their neighbors. From those conversations, they took on the challenge of increasing awareness about hunger issues, began providing food and other items to non-profits and consistently encourage people to get involved with the local non-profits serving their neighbors.

On Monday, July 29, Southwest Gas Service Technician, Todd Smith and District Technician Brian Kellums deliver and unload 14 cases containing over 3,000 meals SWG employees packed to help curb the food shortages for families in the Virgin Valley. Submitted photo

On Monday, July 29, Southwest Gas Service Technician Todd Smith and District Technician Brian Kellums delivered 3,904 meals in 14 cases to the Virgin Valley Food Bank, which will feed many families in Mesquite and the surrounding areas. Virgin Valley Food Bank recipients Leslee Montgomery, Gladys Smith and Nettie Stiner were there to gather the donation, give their much-deserved appreciation and prepare to feed the Mesquite masses.

In total, 140 Southwest Gas employees showed up for the event, packed 33,248 meals and were able to distribute them to 10 area nonprofits including the Virgin Valley Food Bank. Helping to tackle hunger issues is just one way that Southwest Gas is committed to protecting and improving the communities they serve.

For more information on Southwest Gas visit their website at: www.swgas.com.