Finding food assistance in Alaska can be vital for many families and individuals facing food insecurity. In this guide, we provide details about key food banks across the state, including their locations, service areas, contact information, and the range of services they offer. Whether you’re in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, or the Kenai Peninsula, these organizations are dedicated to ensuring no one goes hungry. Learn how these food banks are making a difference and find out how you can get involved to support your community.
Food Bank of Alaska
With a core belief that there should be no excuse for hunger, the Food Bank of Alaska was founded in 1979 by a group of Anchorage church and community volunteers. Their mission is to prevent good food from being wasted and to serve those in need throughout the state. The organization works with food industry partners to salvage food from grocery stores, wholesalers, producers, farmers, and the fishing industry, and also collects food donations from community members and administers government food programs.
- Location: 2192 Viking Drive, Anchorage, AK 99501
- Service Counties: Statewide distribution
- Contact Number: 907-272-3663
- Website: Food Bank of Alaska
- Services: The Food Bank of Alaska distributes millions of meals annually through partner agencies, operates mobile food pantries, assists with SNAP outreach, and runs various child and senior nutrition programs.
Fairbanks Community Food Bank
The Fairbanks Community Food Bank aims to ensure that no one in the Tanana Valley dies of starvation or goes hungry, especially children. Founded on a mission to provide food assistance to everyone who meets federal poverty guidelines, the organization distributes food through emergency food boxes and various assistance programs.
- Location: 725 26th Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99701
- Service Counties: Fairbanks North Star Borough
- Contact Number: 907-457-4273
- Website: Fairbanks Community Food Bank
- Services: Provides food boxes, runs programs like Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) for seniors, and hosts numerous food assistance initiatives.
St. Francis House Food Pantry (Catholic Social Services)
St. Francis House Food Pantry, managed by Catholic Social Services, is one of the largest food pantries in Alaska, offering emergency food assistance to over 1,300 families each month. The pantry serves as a critical resource for individuals and families in Anchorage, providing a range of services and support.
- Location: 3710 E 20th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99508
- Service Counties: Anchorage and surrounding areas
- Contact Number: 907-222-7323
- Website: St. Francis House Food Pantry
- Services: Distributes food boxes, senior nutrition boxes, and connects clients to additional resources. Also part of a broader network offering shelters, supportive housing, and services for individuals with disabilities.
Southeast Alaska Food Bank
Established in the early 1990s, the Southeast Alaska Food Bank was created to address food insecurity in Juneau. Initially formed after recognizing that people were scavenging for food in dumpsters, the organization has grown significantly, processing hundreds of thousands of pounds of food annually to serve those in need.
- Location: 10020 Crazy Horse Drive, Juneau, AK 99801
- Service Counties: Juneau and surrounding areas
- Contact Number: 907-789-6184
- Website: Southeast Alaska Food Bank
- Services: Supplies food to local agencies, organizes food drives, and involves the community through volunteer opportunities.
Kenai Peninsula Food Bank
Dedicated to combating hunger on the Kenai Peninsula, the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank works to ensure that individuals and families have access to nutritious food. Through the support of partners, donors, and volunteers, the food bank distributes thousands of pounds of food each month to those in need.
- Location: 33955 Community College Drive, Soldotna, AK 99669
- Service Counties: Kenai Peninsula
- Contact Number: 907-262-3111
- Website: Kenai Peninsula Food Bank
How Alaska Food Banks Operate
Alaska’s food banks play a crucial role in ensuring that residents have access to nutritious food. These organizations work by collecting surplus food from grocery stores, wholesalers, farmers, and community donations. They partner with local agencies, including soup kitchens, senior centers, and shelters, to distribute food to those in need. Food banks like the Food Bank of Alaska also operate mobile food pantries to reach remote communities, ensuring statewide food security. Additionally, they provide SNAP outreach and various nutrition programs for children and seniors, making comprehensive efforts to address food insecurity across the state.
How to Donate to Food Banks in Alaska
Donating to food banks in Alaska is a straightforward and impactful way to support your community:
- Monetary Donations: Financial contributions are highly effective. Food banks can purchase food at lower prices through their partnerships, stretching every dollar to provide more meals.
- Food Donations: Non-perishable food items can be donated at designated drop-off locations or during community food drives. Check with local food banks for their most needed items.
- Volunteer Time: Volunteers are essential for sorting, packing, and distributing food. Many food banks, such as the Fairbanks Community Food Bank, offer online portals for volunteer sign-ups.
- Organize a Food Drive: Community-led food drives are a great way to gather resources. Rally your community to collect non-perishable food items and deliver them to your local food bank.
- Corporate Partnerships: Businesses can partner with food banks through donations, sponsorships, and employee volunteer programs, making a significant impact on local food security efforts.
Importance of Alaska Food Banks
Food banks in Alaska are vital in combating hunger and ensuring that all residents have access to nutritious food. Given Alaska’s unique challenges, such as remote locations and harsh weather conditions, food banks provide an essential service by reaching underserved communities. They not only address immediate food needs but also contribute to long-term food security through educational programs and advocacy.
By supporting food banks, you help reduce food waste, support vulnerable populations, and strengthen the community’s overall health and well-being. Their work is crucial in a state where 1 in 7 residents, including 1 in 5 children, faces food insecurity.