South-Asian Women’s Alliance of Nevada (SWAN) inpartnership with the Asian Community Development Council (ACDC) held its first freeSouth-Asian food distribution event on March 25, 2023, providing much-needed assistance tofamilies facing food insecurity in Las Vegas. This event, which was open to all members of thecommunity, distributed free food to 100 families and individuals. Each box included two bags ofrice, dal (lentils), dates, commonly found South-Asia spices, fresh fruits and vegetables.

ACDC, who generously provided funding for the food and donated the distribution space,supported this event. Over 35 volunteers from the community of which 10 were high schoolstudents, played a key role in the success of the event. This was well-received by theSouth-Asian community, with many expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to receivetraditional South-Asian food and connect with others in the community.

“We are thrilled with the success of the event, and we want to thank all of our volunteers,partners and community members for their support,” said Sweta Verma, Chair of SWAN. “Thisevent is just the beginning, and we are committed to continuing our work to address foodinsecurity and provide other services to members of the South-Asian community.”

The success of the first free South-Asian Food Distribution event was a testament to the power ofcommunity and collaboration in addressing important social issues. SWAN looks forward tocontinuing its work and making a positive impact in the lives of the individual and families in theSouth-Asian community.

SWAN’s mission is to bridge the gap between the South-Asian communities and the mainstream services and resources that exist within Nevada. The South-Asian diaspora includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Indo-Caribbean and other descendants of South-Asia. With the continuous growth of the South-Asian community in Nevada, specifically Las Vegas, SWAN intends to be the central point for the community.