Food Bank of Alaska awards infrastructure grants across the state

WASILLA — Food Bank of Alaska was recently awarded $6 million dollars from the State of Alaska to support capacity and infrastructure projects across the statewide anti-hunger network.

According to a recent press release, funds were distributed to 43 organizations through a competitive grant process for projects such as new building construction, space modifications, and expansions, refrigeration and freezer capacity, vehicles, warehouse equipment such as forklifts or pallet jacks, energy efficiency upgrades, and upgrading processing and cooking facilities.

Food Bank of Alaska developed a multifaceted evaluation process to review applications for grant funds, working with various community partners, including the Rasmuson Foundation, Mat-Su Health Foundation, RurAL Cap, Alaska Food Policy Council, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, and Alaska Commercial Company.

Applicants serving rural communities and organizations that function as food banks in providing services to other agencies or multiple communities received additional consideration.

Food Bank of Alaska officials reported 81 total applications, stating that not all were approved, but the submission process shed light on future attention to community endeavors across the state.

The press release indicated that this new funding arrived during a critical time since the statewide food bank network has seen unprecedented levels of hunger due to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, rising costs, and rapid inflation.

“We are honored to support these important organizations that play a critical role in Alaska’s anti-hunger network,” Food Bank of Alaska CEO Jim Baldwin stated in the press release. “This grant’s concentration on capacity building will allow us to more effectively serve people and better meet the need in communities across the state.”

For more information, visit foodbankofalaska.org.

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