data & mapping, general interest, partner spotlight & events, regional food systems partnership, value chain coordination
Exploring Rural Food Supply Chains: A Learning Journey to Bethel, Alaska
By Ellen Olack, Programs Manager, AFPC, & Robbi Mixon, Executive Director, AFPC
Last week, Alaska Food Policy Council Executive Director Robbi Mixon and Programs Manager Ellen Olack traveled with the University of Alaska Anchorage ISER (Institute of Social and Economic Research) to learn more about the unique challenges and strengths of rural food supply chains in Alaska.
This visit was part of a broader effort supported by our USDA Regional Food System Partnership (RFSP) grant project, “Collaboration, Knowledge Co-creation, and Network Weaving: Building Alaska Food Systems with Mapping, Data, and Value Chain Coordination,” with the goal of increasing food security, while supporting resilient local and regional economies, for all Alaskans. We aim to build stronger, more equitable regional food networks by identifying existing assets, gaps, and opportunities for collaboration across the state and food systems sectors.
While we’re just beginning to sort out the details, two core objectives of this project are:
- To create and facilitate the Alaska Food Value Chain Coordination Council 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.
- To establish a shared understanding of the current state of regional food security and food-related infrastructure in Alaska through the creation of a common operating picture, or centralized compilation of information. Centralizing assets and information resources is an effort that ensures quality input is used for advanced analytics, identifying trends and patterns, scenario modeling, policy development, decision making, and strategic planning, thus enhancing the value of all future efforts and improving stakeholder accessibility.
AC Stores staff speaking with Dr. Mike Jones (UAA, ISER) about food supply chains
The trip began in Anchorage, where our team spent a full day engaging with individuals and organizations working across various sectors of the food system. These conversations offered critical insights into the logistical, economic, and cultural barriers that impact food access across the state—particularly in remote communities off the road system. We also had the opportunity to hear from our northern neighbors in Canada, examining the parallels and differences between our nations’ rural food supply chains.
From there, we traveled west to Bethel, a regional hub for more than 50 surrounding villages in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. While in Bethel, we visited local grocery stores and bush plane operators to better understand the costs, logistics, availability, and quality of food options reaching residents both locally and in the surrounding communities. We also had the opportunity to meet with staff at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC), where we learned about community health initiatives and the deep connections between nutrition, chronic disease, food access, and overall health of mind, body, and spirit.
Another highlight was our visit to the Bethel Community Center, where we explored how local programming supports food security and strengthens community well-being. One especially exciting initiative is a food box program currently being piloted by the center, which distributes boxes to families across the region. These boxes often include not only fresh produce but also locally harvested subsistence foods like moose meat—meeting community needs in a way that’s culturally grounded and nutritionally rich.
From there, we traveled west to Bethel, a regional hub for more than 50 surrounding villages in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. While in Bethel, we visited local grocery stores and bush plane operators to better understand the costs, logistics, availability, and quality of food options reaching residents both locally and in the surrounding communities. We also had the opportunity to meet with staff at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC), where we learned about community health initiatives and the deep connections between nutrition, chronic disease, food access, and overall health of mind, body, and spirit.
Another highlight was our visit to the Bethel Community Center, where we explored how local programming supports food security and strengthens community well-being. One especially exciting initiative is a food box program currently being piloted by the center, which distributes boxes to families across the region. These boxes often include not only fresh produce but also locally harvested subsistence foods like moose meat—meeting community needs in a way that’s culturally grounded and nutritionally rich.
We were also fortunate to receive a tour of Meyers Farm, an agricultural initiative that uses innovative practices to grow fresh produce in a region where agriculture is exceptionally difficult. Owners Tim and Lisa Meyers, are true innovators – and 2019 Alaska Food Heroes! One of the most impressive features is their underground root cellar—an environmentally friendly storage solution that helps keep produce fresh without relying heavily on external energy sources. The grit and dedication on display at Meyers Farm are powerful examples of what’s possible when local knowledge and ingenuity come together.
Our visit coincided with the Kuskokwim River BreakUp Bash, an annual celebration marking the seasonal thaw of the river and the shift into spring. It was a timely reminder of how closely food systems, seasonal cycles, and cultural life are intertwined. We were able to witness community at its finest – sharing food, music, and jubilation.
This trip underscored the complexity of Alaska’s food systems, as well as the incredible innovation and community-led efforts driving positive change. We’re grateful to all those who shared their stories, time, and insights with us, and we look forward to continuing this important work together.
