The Society of St. Stephen (SOSS) is a food ministry run by Trinity United Methodist Church in Las Vegas. It's part of the Three Square distribution network, an agency of the Feeding America program. They offer free food, emergency supplies, and some financial help to neighbors in need.
Who Can Visit?
Everyone is welcome. There's no income requirement mentioned, and the program serves the broader community. SOSS participates in the USDA non-discrimination program, so you can't be turned away because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, or any other protected status.
How Often You Can Visit?
It depends on which program you use.
- Food Pantry (Mondays): You can come once a month, with at least 30 days between visits.
- Food Rescue (Thursdays): No limit. You're welcome to come every week.
- Blessing Bags: Available during office hours, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Good to Know
For the Food Pantry on Mondays, you'll get a number when you arrive. Please get there by 10:00 a.m. to make sure you receive one. Numbers can run out. For the Food Rescue on Thursdays, registration starts at 11:00 a.m. It's recommended you arrive before 11:30 a.m. Food is given out until it runs out, and the truck delivery from Three Square usually arrives between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. They call about 10 people in at a time.
Food & Essentials
SOSS offers several ways to get food and other support:
- Food Pantry: A monthly food box pickup on Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
- Food Rescue: Free groceries every Thursday. You pick from available items, which may include produce, dairy, meat, and more depending on what was donated that week.
- Blessing Bags: A day's worth of food, handed out from the church office Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
How to Pick Up
Both the Food Pantry and Food Rescue are held in the parking lot of Trinity United Methodist Church at 6151 West Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89146. Blessing Bags are available inside the church office during office hours.
For the Food Pantry, arrive by 10:00 a.m. to get your number. For Food Rescue, arrive before 11:30 a.m. and get a number when registration opens at 11:00 a.m. You'll wait until your number is called.
Additional Support
When funds are available, SOSS also offers a "Helping Hand Up" program through the church office. This can help with:
- Bus pass money (not actual bus passes)
- Gas money (not gas cards)
- Laundry money
You can reach the church at <a href="tel:+17028704747">(702) 870-4747</a> or email <a href="mailto:Trinity@tumclv.org">Trinity@tumclv.org</a>. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Ways to Give
You can make a donation online to support the Society of St. Stephen directly through the church's website at tumclv.com/donate.html. Donations go toward food programs and other community needs.
How to Join the Team?
Volunteers are needed for several roles:
- Food Pantry (Mondays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.): Help pack food and process clients.
- Food Rescue (Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.): Sort food, pack and haul boxes, and help clients choose items.
- Monthly Food Delivery (1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, around 10:00 a.m.): Help sort a large food delivery. This one is labor intensive.
All volunteers must sign up through the Three Square website at threesquare.org. Go to "How to Help," then "Volunteer as an Individual," and complete the online application.