Diesel surge costs Three Square Food Bank $18,000 monthly

Monthly fleet fuel costs at Three Square Food Bank in Las Vegas have more than doubled, rising from approximately $16,000 to about $34,000. The increase follows a 73 percent jump in diesel prices over the last twelve months.

Beth Martino, president and CEO of Three Square, stated that fuel is essential to every step of the organization's work. This includes bringing food into the warehouse and delivering it throughout the community.

Martino noted that every additional dollar spent on fuel means one less dollar available for food deliveries. She added that even generously donated food carries rising transportation and storage costs.

The charity operates refrigerated trailers non-stop to keep rescued items fresh, which drives storage expenses higher. In fiscal year 2026, Three Square distributed 58 million pounds of food. This total included 32 million pounds of donated items and 23 million pounds of rescued farm produce.

Officials say soaring fuel and freight prices are increasing the cost of transporting and storing this food. Martino explained that the financial pressure arrives at a time when more Southern Nevadans are turning to the organization for help.

Three Square officials urge residents to look out for their neighbors, noting that food insecurity is not always visible. The charity continues to distribute food despite the higher operating costs.