data & mapping, partner spotlight & events, regional food systems partnership, value chain coordination

2024 USDA Funding Supports Four Alaskan Organizations to Strengthen Food Security and Economy

By Robbi Mixon, Executive Director, AFPC

At the Alaska Food Policy Council we are supporting stronger, more connected food systems in Alaska, with crucial funding of a 2024 USDA Regional Food Systems Partnership (RFSP) award. This $485K grant, partially matched by a generous contribution from the Alaska Division of Agriculture, fuels AFPC’s initiatives to build a collaborative, data-driven food network across the state. With a focus on connecting food system sectors, supporting regional producers, and fostering economic growth, our work reflects an ambitious vision: a more resilient, self-sustaining food future for Alaska.

Uniting Alaska’s Food System: Alaska Food Value Chain Coordination Council

A key component of AFPC’s project is the formation of the Alaska Food Value Chain Coordination Council. This council brings together food system stakeholders—producers, distributors, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government agencies. Through guided convenings, the Alaska Food Value Chain Coordination Council aims to enhance collaboration and efficiency within Alaska’s food systems value chains by deepening connection, communication, and cooperation between organizations, state agencies, businesses, higher education, and food producers.

Why a Value Chain Coordination Council?

For years, Alaska’s food system has been fragmented, with resources and information scattered across regions. The Alaska Value Chain Coordination Council will be established to facilitate addressing ongoing challenges, opportunities, and risks in the production, procurement, transportation, and distribution of both local and imported food throughout Alaska. By bringing together diverse food system players, AFPC aims to reduce inefficiencies, streamline local food distribution, and create new economic opportunities for Alaska’s food producers.

Leveraging Data: Food Systems Atlas & Data Dashboards

Another key initiative AFPC is spearheading is the creation of an Alaska Food Systems Atlas and Data Dashboards. These tools are designed to centralize and visualize data on Alaska’s food systems, providing valuable insights for stakeholders across the state. By tracking food systems trends, analyzing infrastructure needs, and highlighting areas for investment, this resource will empower communities and policymakers to make informed decisions that strengthen Alaska’s local food economy.

Why Data Transparency is Essential 

Without reliable, accessible data, it’s difficult to make strategic policy and infrastructure decisions that effectively support Alaska’s food security. The Alaska Food Systems Atlas and Data Dashboards will serve as a foundation of shared knowledge, allowing AFPC and our partners to develop policies and investments based on a comprehensive understanding of Alaska’s food needs. This transparency is crucial for building a sustainable food network, as it provides stakeholders with the information necessary to identify gaps, prioritize actions, and track progress.

Collaborating for a Local Food Future: USDA’s Impact Across Alaska

AFPC isn’t alone in our mission to improve Alaska’s food systems. Other organizations across the state have also received USDA grants to support projects that increase food access and economic resilience:

  • Catholic Social Services, Anchorage ($250K): Through the “From Need to Seed” project, Catholic Social Services is enhancing food access for low-income residents and refugees in Anchorage, creating opportunities for refugee farmers to sell their produce through the Grow North Farm food hub.
  • Arctic Harvest Deliveries, Anchorage ($50K): Arctic Harvest Deliveries is expanding its Farm Share program to bring locally grown food to underserved communities, including Nome and Norton Sound villages, making fresh Alaskan produce more accessible to remote regions.
  • Tyonek Tribal Conservation District ($466K): The “Tyonek GATHER” project will establish a regional food hub to aggregate and distribute produce from Indigenous and small-scale producers, promoting food sovereignty and access to healthy, local food in Tyonek.

Moving Forward: Building a Resilient Food Future

What excites us most about these projects is the potential for collaboration and shared growth across Alaska’s food system. Through collaboration, data-driven insights, and cross-sector partnerships, AFPC is building a food system that prioritizes food access for all, supports Alaskan food and farm businesses,, and strengthens the state’s economy. By uniting food system stakeholders across Alaska, AFPC is working to reduce food waste,, empower local communities, and create meaningful opportunities within Alaska’s food economy.

As these projects launch in early 2025, AFPC invites Alaskans to join the effort. Together, these collective efforts will shape a future where all Alaskans have better access to healthy, preferably locally grown and harvested food. Alaska’s food economy can thrive for generations to come.