Homemade Foods Working Group

The Homemade Foods Working Group does not meet regularly. The website and listserv are active, and we will share out news and updates.

If you are interested in joining this Working Group please sign up, and we will get back to you.

Recap: October 2025 Alaska Food Systems Network Gathering

Our fall network gathering included presentations by the Northwest Transition to Organic Partnership Program and Cooperative Extension.

advocacy, advocacy education, cottage foods, general interest

Understanding Alaska’s Proposed Food Code Regulation Change

ADEC is proposing a change in the Alaska Food Code regulations to come in line with the Homemade Food laws that were passed last year with HB251. We asked ADEC a few questions to learn more.

cottage foods, partner spotlight & events

HB251 “Homemade Food Rule” – Community Perspectives

Now referred to as “The Homemade Food Rule”, HB251 revises the Alaska Food Drug and Cosmetic Act Statute to create an exemption from permitting and inspection requirements for producers of homemade food products, with no cap on sales. We dive into these changes, highlight three community perspectives on the new law, and share resources.

Resources FAQ

Previous Next

Resources and Reports

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s Homemade Food page is the go-to resource in the state for homemade food information. Resources include:

Types of food that can be sold under Alaska’s homemade food rule
Requirements for selling homemade food in Alaska
2024 Homemade Foods Exemption Presentation

The Municipality of Anchorage updated their food code to in November of 2025 to align with the state.

On October 23, 2026, Sarah Lewis, UAF Professor of Extension based in Juneau, presented to our Alaska Food Systems Network Quarterly Gathering. Her informative and entertaining slides, “2024 Homemade Foods Exemption”, are shared here (test yourself with the pop quiz section!), and you can reach her with questions at sarah.lewis@alaska.edu.

In the News

Coming Soon

Questions? Where to Learn More

Work With Cooperative Extension!

UAF Cooperative Extension Service is available to help homemade food producers across Alaska. Extension agents can provide guidance and consultation about food products, processes, selling methods, and more.

Contact cooperative extension:

Send an email to ces@alaska.edu
Submit an Ask Extension online form
Visit the Food Entrepreneurship program

Questions About Permitting or the Regulation of Food Sales?

Send an email to the Department’s homemade food group at dec.fss.homemade.food@alaska.gov for questions related to permitting and homemade food sales.

What is homemade food?: Homemade food, sometimes called ‘cottage food’, is food or drink that is prepared by a producer in their private home kitchen or in a kitchen that they lease.
Do I need to register or get a permit to sell homemade food?: No, there are no State registration or permitting requirements for homemade food producers. However, cities and municipalities may require permits or registration in order for you to sell homemade food within their jurisdiction. Please contact your local officials to verify any local business or food sales requirements.

Learn more at Alaska DEC Homemade Foods FAQ

This will be a regular feature in AFPC’s newsletter featuring actual (anonymized) questions to Extension Agents in their consultations.

More Working Groups