Danny Consenstein, a long-time AFPC Board member and founder, termed off the Governing Board this past December 2022 - he served every possible moment allowed by our by-laws. Danny has lived and worked in Alaska since arriving from NYC in 1969. Like many Alaskans, he has a diverse professional background, working in construction, commercial fishing, public policy, and nonprofit management. He’s lived in Fairbanks, Juneau, and Anchorage, and traveled to many of Alaska’s remote villages. Danny has made many important contributions to AFPC and to improving Alaska’s food system.
Danny leaves us with a few thoughts about his time with AFPC.
“I love watching things grow. Almost every year since my cabin days in Fairbanks, I plant a backyard vegetable garden. There’s something magic about seeds transforming into plants under the intense Alaskan sun, and the satisfaction of harvesting and eating delicious greens, peas, or broccoli. It’s hard work, but you get to enjoy the results. I also love to share the garden bounty.
In 2009, my public policy professional career brought me to lead the USDA Alaska Farm Service Agency. I had a steep learning curve in going from backyard gardens to understanding Alaska’s food production challenges and opportunities. My bosses in Washington, D.C. urged me to use our federal programs to help create jobs and pull the country out of the 2008 recession. I had the tools to help the economy and expand agriculture in Alaska.
I also felt the buzz of the growing local food community and the fun at farmers markets. Michelle Obama's kitchen garden at the White House captured the hopeful mood of the Nation. Healthy food was hip. USDA was not just for farmers, it could help build healthy communities in Alaska. I was searching for a way to connect the dots.
That connection came from a surprising place. Before the CDC was known for leading the fight against COVID, it was focused on reducing obesity. One CDC strategy was to make healthy food more accessible to everyone. In 2010, Alaska’s obesity program director, Diane Peck, contacted me about starting a food policy council in Alaska. She had secured funding from the CDC to launch the project. I liked the idea of gathering Alaska food stakeholders to work together to create jobs and build healthy communities.
The magic happened later that year in a downtown Anchorage hotel ballroom. Passionate foodies, farmers, and health and hunger advocates gathered to explore the power of collaborating to build a stronger food system. They saw a future in Alaska that was less vulnerable to food supply disruptions from the next earthquake or late barge delivery. A future with more young Alaska farmers. With fewer kids going to school hungry. With less incidence of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other food-related diseases. The seed was planted.
The Alaska Food Policy Council continued to build on that first gathering by organizing small community town hall meetings in communities from Nome to Juneau, and large statewide conferences to network, share, educate and connect Alaskans concerned with food security.
The Council has used the collective power of this statewide network to educate policymakers in Juneau, Anchorage and Washington, D.C. about how to build a strong economy and healthy communities through food system improvements. Governors and mayors are paying attention. This year, Governor Dunleavy said improving food security was one of his top priorities!
Like my garden, the Council has grown from an all-volunteer board to hiring a full-time Executive Director. Its annual budget has grown and our programs are expanding across the state. We’re seen as one of the best-run non-profits in the state. With a strong engaged board, active committee work, and tight financial management, policies, and procedures, we’re set up to sustainably increase our staff and program work even further in the future.
Last summer, I planted tiny sunflower seeds in my garden. By the fall, they were way over the top of the fence, at least 10 feet tall, with beautiful yellow and orange petals, and pollinators and birds buzzing around. I get so much joy out of watching things grow. With the help of all the many past Board members and partners, especially the early founders, Diane Peck, from the Alaska Department of Health, and Alli Harvey, from the Alaska Center, it’s been so fulfilling watching AFPC mature and grow. The future is bright for this strong, sustainable organization!”
