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Supporting Food Security for Alaska's Military Families

By the Alaska Food Policy Council

In Alaska, food security is more than a household concern; it’s a community priority. With the nation’s highest percentage of veterans per capita and thousands of active-duty service members stationed statewide, ensuring veteran and military families have access to nutritious food is essential.

Nationally, 1.2 million veterans rely on SNAP, with 4,000 in Alaska – an estimated 6% of all our veterans in the state. Here, the problem is intensified by high cost of living, limited food access in remote communities, and structural barriers to receiving food assistance. In rural areas, staples like milk or fresh produce can cost two to three times more than in the Lower 48. Even in urban areas, many veterans and their families struggle to make ends meet.

Families who serve and sacrifice for our country shouldn’t struggle to put food on the table. MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, works to ensure that Alaska’s military and veteran families have access to the food they need, advocating for policies that recognize and respond to the unique challenges these families face.

At the state level, progress is also made. A recently established Military and Veteran Family Help Desk within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs aims to improve access to benefits and services, including food assistance, a promising step towards serving those who have served us.

Local organizations also play a significant role. In Anchorage, Bean’s Cafe provides daily meals and support to veterans experiencing hunger and homelessness. For individuals transitioning back into civilian life or navigating hardship, reliable access to food can offer stability and hope.

Despite a clear need, access to SNAP remains alarmingly low. Just 6% of Alaska veterans are enrolled. Stigma, misinformation, and bureaucratic complexity often prevent those eligible from getting help.

At AFPC, we believe hunger among veterans and active service members is unacceptable. Ensuring their food security is not only a moral imperative, it’s essential to national security, military readiness, and public health. Well-nourished service members are better able to fulfill their duties. Strong military families build strong communities.

How You Can Help

  • Support and donate to organizations providing direct food assistance to military families.
  • Contact your congressional delegation and urge them to support access to SNAP.
  • Help raise awareness and break the stigma around food assistance programs.
  • Advocate for continued improvements to the Basic Needs Allowance and other support programs.

For a more in-depth list of MAZON’s military policy priorities and actions click here. 

Veterans and service members shouldn’t have to fight hunger. Through community support and thoughtful policy change, we can ensure they get the nutrition they need and the dignity they deserve.