Read more about the process of building out our latest report: How the Alaska “Food Hub” Network Can Best Move Forward. According to report author Ken Meter, "This report represents a crucial step towards building a more resilient and effective food hub network in Alaska. By identifying common challenges and offering innovative solutions, we can ensure the continued growth and success of our local food systems."

Check out the latest guest blog by UAA Dietetics Student, Victoria Tucker and learn about the evolution of Food Co-ops as a means of community support and investment in each other spanning from the19th century to now!

Guest Blog by Silje Hildebrand, UAA Dietetics Student
In honor of National Gardening Month, they dive into the cost and nutritional benefits of growing a home garden.

Our AmeriCorps Intern Summer Sweet closed out her year with us and takes a moment to reflect on what she learned and how she was able to grow her perspectives in her Public Health studies.

Our Regional Food Business Center Co-Director Colin Peacock recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the Alaska Just Transition Summit in Juneau. He came away with some great teachings, inspiration and ways for us to collectively work better to build a more resilient Alaska. READ MORE

GUEST BLOG: Amy O’Connor of Alaska Farmland Trust.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conducts a national census every five years. This census provides data for each state, such as the number of active farms, acres of farmland, and crops grown, as well as demographic and economic data.

The Alaska Food Policy Council and Northwest Transition to Organic Partnership Program (NW TOPP) are partnering to explore opportunities for organic certification in Alaska.

This past February, fresh off the heels of Food Security Fly-in Week in Juneau, I had the honor of traveling with other Islands & Remote Areas Regional Food Business Center partners to St. Croix, USVI, to attend the 52nd AgriFest and to support the Virgin Islands Good Food’s inaugural Island Food System Summit.

In partnership with AFPC’s Regional Food Business Center, Kali developed a week long training opportunity in Tuscon to support Alutiiq farmers that included conversations around hydroponics and seed saving. Guest blog by Robbie Townsend Vennel/KALI

As advocates for a resilient and sustainable food system in Alaska, the Alaska Food Policy Council (AFPC) is deeply invested in ensuring the protection of food security for all Alaskans. In response to the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) 17(d)(1) Withdrawals of 28 million acres in Alaska, the AFPC recently submitted comments in support of the No Action Alternative (Alternative A).

On Wednesday, February 14th, AFPC staff along with staff and farmers from the Farm Bureau of Alaska, testified before both the Senate and House Resources Committees. We were there providing feedback on both the Governor’s CROP Act (HB296/SB211) and efforts to date of the Alaska Legislative Food Strategy Task Force. As the Regional Food Business Center Co-Director I felt it was important to focus my testimony on helping smaller food producers of all kinds; mariculture, kelp, farmers and more.

Alaska is one of the most expensive states to live in. With our vast lands and remote communities, food can be costly or scarce and many Alaskans struggle to meet basic needs. About 1 in 10 Alaskans live in households that are food insecure – without adequate access to good nutrition. Learn more about how the SNAP backlog is affecting our communities and our anti-hunger programs.

Juneau witnessed a powerful gathering of food advocates, as dozens of individuals from across the state converged upon Alaska’s capitol building to champion the cause of food access and security. Under the banner of “Everyone Eats! Food Security Week,” these advocates brought a resounding message of support and encouragement to legislators embarking on the state budget process and engaged in policy making. 

Each year we join partners from across the state and across the food system to ensure that more Alaskans are talking about food security from the diner table to the decision making table. We are excited for Food Security Week 2024!

In 2023, the Alaska Farmers Market Association (AFMA) introduced two impactful programs: the AFMA Market Match Program, and the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Program. Learn how these are benefitting Alaskans from producers to consumers.

As students returned to college classes this week, the question of food security still looms. Our intern Summer Sweet looks at the issue of food insecurity and the support systems available to Alaskan college students.

In January, Alaska decided not to participate in the 2024 USDA Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program, citing administrative costs that would outweigh the benefits. Forgoing the USDA Summer EBT program in Alaska exacerbates challenges faced by already strained food banks and pantries across the state.

AFPC visited Nome! Visiting partners around the state helps us to build and strengthen relationships, and better understand the diverse natural, cultural, and political landscapes across Alaska.

ACTION ALERT: Nationally, WIC has been fully funded through bipartisan support for over 25 years. But its full funding is at significant risk in the coming weeks in Congress. 

The potential merger in the news involves two of our large retailers - Kroger and Albertsons. But what does it mean for Alaskans and how can we insure it is building to a more resilient and secure food system?