Palmer Food Bank continues to work to support those in need

On South Valley Way, the Palmer Food Bank remains a steadfast presence in the community, providing essential support year-round by combating food waste and keeping residents fed.

In the post-COVID era, rising inflation has taken its toll on the Food Bank, but the team’s commitment to serving Palmer hasn’t wavered, shared current director Jeanne Borega.

“It seems that the rate the prices are going up has slowed, but things are still expensive,” said Borega. “The prices aren't going down.”

As of April 2024, the Palmer Food Bank serves 691 residents, representing over 200 families in the community. The number of individuals receiving goods has remained steady, with an increase in families from Ukraine since the beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian War, who have since relocated to the Matanuska Valley.

In the warehouse, both perishable and nonperishable items overfill the space. Throughout the week, a team of volunteers helps to organize items and distribute them to families accordingly as items filter in and out.

Borega explained how summertime introduces the opportunity to share locally grown and donated produce.

When the team at the warehouse asked for diapers two weeks ago, the community responded and dropped off boxes that filled the backroom space.

At times, Borega said how she has experienced lines of families waiting to receive goods before the food bank opens at noon. Due to the current small size of the space, the line goes by more slowly.

“Right now, we can only get one family in here at a time,” said Borega.

Moving forward, the Palmer Food Bank plans to relocate further down East Arctic Avenue onto a new plot of land.

Saint Michael’s Parish priest, Father Michael Shields, and longtime Palmer citizen, Tom Sojka, helped to locate the property where the future Food Bank will stand.

With a larger building, the food bank will be able to better accommodate the valley's demand, improving both storage and organization in the space.

Borega emphasized the importance of staying near the current location which is in the heart of Palmer. Surrounded by neighborhoods and the town center, it is easily accessible by both car and foot. The same will be the case for the new building, just down the road.

In the Matanuska Valley, there are a total of eight food distribution locations in Big Lake, Caswell, Palmer, Sutton and Trapper Creek. They distribute items like canned goods and meats throughout the week.

Additionally, the Food Bank receives goods from both the Palmer Fred Meyer and Carrs stores that allow customers to receive fresher foods, some from the deli section.

The Palmer Food Bank operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. Throughout open hours, the team works to help families and continuously upkeep supplies in the warehouse.

On the Palmer Food Bank website, community members can find ways to support the food bank including donating items, providing financial support or by offering their own time to volunteer.