Mat-Su Food Bank working to meet demand

WASILLA — The Mat-Su Food Bank is navigating through the busy holiday season and working to meet the ever growing demand for assistance.

According to Mat-Su Food Bank Executive Director Eddie Ezelle, there is an upward trend in people signing up for help. He cited the current delay in SNAP benefits and rising food costs as some of the biggest factors.

"It's just people can't afford to go to the store for what they need so they come to us which is what we're here for," Ezelle said. "The cost of food has gone up tremendously."

The Mat-Su Food Bank serves about 100 people on a given day, according to Ezelle.

Ezelle said their overall operations are faring well, especially since they've received a fair number of donations over the last few weeks.

"We're getting donations which is good," Ezelle said.

Ezelle said recent grants from Bishop's Attic II have been particularly helpful for their efforts

"They've always been really generous to us over the years," Ezelle said.

Ezelle said they are seeing slightly lower overall donations than previous years. He said the economic factors are very understandable and donations of all sizes aid their overall efforts reaching those in need.

"If you're out shopping for a can of peas, maybe buy two, because someone needs it. Every little bit helps," Ezelle said.

Despite the various economic challenges many are facing, Ezelle said there's always a strong stream of local support.

"We really appreciate the community support,"

People do pay attention. They do listen. It's nice," Ezelle said. "The community is very good about stepping up to the plate and I really appreciate that. It's really made a difference over the years."

The Mat-Su Food Bank is the main food pantry in the Valley and shares their inventory with other pantries and agencies across the Valley.

"My goal is to feed people in the Valley. It's for anybody that needs food," Ezelle said.

The Mat-Su Food Bank is located at 5099 East Blue Lupine Drive, near the Palmer-Wasilla Highway. It's open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information, visit matsufoodbank.org.

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