Food Bank of Alaska announces annual Thanksgiving Blessing events

WASILLA — Food Bank of Alaska and its partners are preparing to distribute groceries that make an entire Thanksgiving meal to an estimated 12,000 families in need.

The annual Valley Thanksgiving Blessing takes place Saturday, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Anchorage Thanksgiving Blessing takes place Monday, Nov. 20 from 2 to 7 p.m. (with the Mountain View sites operating 12pm-8pm).

Both events collaborate with local churches and charitable organizations with hundreds of dedicated volunteers helping out in various ways.

The Valley Thanksgiving Blessing takes place at five sites from Palmer to Talkeetna.

There will be six locations that serve Anchorage and Eagle River residents during the Anchorage Thanksgiving Blessing.

According to a recent press release, Thanksgiving Blessing volunteers served a total of 9,506 families, with 2,395 in Mat-Su and 7,111 in Anchorage in 2022.

Food Bank of Alaska anticipates an increase in overall demand due to the high cost of food, particularly turkeys.

Some sites will offer drive-through distributions of pre-boxed food while others will offer a more traditional “shopping” experience where visitors pick out items for their Thanksgiving meals.

“Thanksgiving Blessing is an amazing community-wide effort. Our partners have seen record numbers of people in need this year, and so we know the need is high right now. This distribution will help ensure that our neighbors in need can enjoy a holiday meal,” Food Bank of Alaska CEO Jim Baldwin stated in the press release.

This annual coordinated project was established in 2004 to make it easier for people to access food during the holiday season.

Churches, businesses, and volunteer groups collect canned goods in preparation for this event.

Financial donations are vital to this endeavor, aiding Food Bank of Alaska's efforts purchasing about 12,000 turkeys and allowing partners to supplement donated food.

This year, $40 donations offers a complete meal for a family.

Major donors so far include Mat-Su Health Foundation, 10 Chefs, State of Alaska, GCI, Matson, Skinny Raven Sports, Lowes, AARP Alaska, AT&T, and Alaska Regional.

Families in need are directed to a distribution site according to their zip code and they are asked to bring proof of address.

To find out which location to visit, call 2-1-1 or visit foodbankofalaska.org/blessing.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com