By Elizabeth Sewell

Determined to put an end to hunger in Las Vegas, UNLV alumna Julie Murray has put her mind to feeding those who need it most.

Murray, 48, joined forces with Eric Hilton to establish Three Square Food Bank. Billed as the hub for donated and rescued food in Las Vegas. Three Square has established itself as the premier place for charities and non-profit organizations to obtain supplies to feed people in need.

Hunger is a significant challenge in Las Vegas, Murray said. “Unlike other social challenges, hunger is curable.”

A lifelong Las Vegan, Murray graduated from UNLV with both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication, and credits the university with giving her a top-notch education.

UNLV also became one of Three Square’s first strategic partners. Murray said President David B. Ashley was one of the first people to support the fledgling organization.

Murray said the shock of discovering 42 percent of students in the Clark County School District receive free or reduced lunches, and 10 percent of all of Clark County residents live below the poverty line pushed her towards Three Square. “None of us knew hunger was an issue,” she said.

Terrie Stanfill, president of Help of Southern Nevada, has known Murray for four years and said Murray is so successful because she is passionate about what she pursues. “She is very enthusiastic and this enthusiasm becomes contagious to anyone in the vicinity,” Stanfill said.

With the help of volunteers and donations, Three Square has been able to develop programs aimed at curing hunger over the spectrum of people in need. Murray is reluctant to name a favorite program, but said as a mother of three those benefiting children are especially fulfilling.

Even in the face of a daunting task like eradicating hunger in Las Vegas, Murray remains confident and sets lofty goals for Three Square. “We can do it though the power of sheer will and persistence.”