Faith leaders, elected officials, volunteers, and community advocates from across Northern Nevada gathered in Reno for the Nevada Interfaith Association’s 2026 Nevada Prayer Breakfast, celebrating 42 years of fellowship, service, and shared purpose among diverse faith traditions.
Held May 13 at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, this year’s breakfast centered around the theme, “Plant Seeds – Cultivate Community: We Can Make a Difference,” with a strong focus on addressing food insecurity and supporting those serving vulnerable communities.
Father Chuck Durante of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Cathedral delivered the keynote address, while special guests included Nevada Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony and Lori Bagwell.
The event also recognized Soulful Seeds as the 2026 Vision Award recipient for its efforts to grow fresh food and create healthy meals for those in need throughout the community. Organizers praised the group’s work combating food insecurity and inspiring others to serve.
In keeping with the event’s theme, food banks and food pantries from throughout Northern Nevada were invited to attend and be recognized for the often unseen but essential work they perform each day. Organizers highlighted the role these organizations play in ensuring individuals and families across the region have access to reliable meals and support.
The Fallon/Fallon South Stakes of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints sponsored a table at the event, which was attended by representatives from several local food pantry organizations and community leaders, including Jennifer Metcalf of the Yerington Food Pantry, Kenny Fabro of Fallon’s New Frontier Food Pantry, Larry Hahne of Out of Egypt Food Pantry, Churchill County Commissioners Eric Blakey and Matt Hyde, Pastor Dawn Blundell of the Nevada Interfaith Association Coordinating Council, LDS Stake President Marc Williams, and Mary Sorensen, communications director for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Fernley/Fallon area.
Additional attendees included Assemblyman Greg Koenig and his wife, Terra, as well as congressional candidate Teresa Benitez-Thompson, who attended alongside community and faith leaders from across the state.
The annual breakfast is noted for bringing together people of many different faiths and traditions, including Christian denominations, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, and Native American spiritual leaders, in a shared message of unity and service.
Local organizers also highlighted ongoing efforts to combat food insecurity through a large-scale church-supported food distribution initiative. Over the course of the year, 250 semi-trucks of non-perishable food are expected to be sent to the Reno area, with pallets being personally delivered to five rural food pantries, including locations in Fallon and Fernley, in partnership with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.
Event attendees said the breakfast served as a reminder that meaningful change often begins with simple acts of compassion, cooperation, and community service.
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