The Need 

With SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits delayed and still very much up in the air, many local families will be without critical support. 

As the only food pantry in the North Tahoe–Truckee region, Sierra Community House currently serves 700+ families each week—and we anticipate a 30% increase in demand in the coming weeks. 

Managing individual food drop-offs can be challenging for our small team. While we deeply appreciate the community's desire to help by donating food, monetary donations go even further.  In fact, just last week, we were able to purchase eggs for $1.50–imagine how far your donation can go.  Monetary donations also allow us to buy fresh, healthy food in bulk and reduce waste and storage challenges. However, we know that some folks would rather give items over cash. 

 

Coordinated Food Drives 

We are excited to work with Tahoe Expeditionary Academy and Incline High School on two coordinated efforts.  They will accept and sort donations while ensuring all donated food meets the guidelines below.  Info for collection: 

  1. Tahoe Expedition Academy (TEA) located at 9765 Schaffer Mill Road Truckee
    • Collecting Items November 10th-21st (open on 11/11) from 9am-2:30pm
  2. Incline High School located at 499 Village Blvd, Incline Village
    • Collecting Items November 12th-21st from 8am-2:30pm

*Please do not leave food at these locations outside of these hours!* 

Acceptable Items:

We accept unexpired, unopened, non-perishable foods that are nutritious and minimally processed. 

High-Need Items: 

  • Dried or canned beans (pinto, black, etc.) 
  • Rice, Pasta and pasta sauce 
  • Healthy cereals and oatmeal 
  • Peanut butter 
  • Canned tuna, salmon, or chicken 

 

Other Nutritious Shelf-Stable Foods: 

  • Canned fruits and vegetables 
  • Granola/Nutrition Bars 

 

What we DON'T Accept: 

  • Expired items 
  • Foods that have been opened or portioned 
  • Non-food items 
  • Soda, drinks and bottled water 
  • Candy & chips 
  • Items packaged in glass. 
  • Bulk items (cans, boxes or bags over 2 lbs) 

 

Ensure all donations are: 

  • Shelf-stable and non-perishable 
  • In sealed, unbroken, original packaging 
  • Clearly labeled with a future expiration date 

 

Virtual Food Drives 

  • We encourage you to conduct a Virtual Food Drive—and hope that you help us educate the community on why cash over cans can serve even more people.   
  • With our bulk purchasing power, every dollar goes 4 times further—allowing us to buy fresh produce, eggs, and dairy that can't be accepted through individual donations. 

 

Together, we can ensure every family in our community has food on the table this season. 💙 

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