Up, up and away! Kids Kupboard reaches ‘Superhero’ status

WASILLA— The Valley grown nonprofit Kids Kupboard is reaching all new heights, feeding more kids than ever, according to Founder and Executive Director, Lynette Ortolano. Her organization was recently was one of five nonprofits around the state honored as an Afterschool Superhero by the Alaska Afterschool Network.

“It’s really humbling,” Ortolano said.

The Kids Kupboard is an afterschool and summertime meal program that aims to feed any child in need. This grassroots operation started small almost four years ago with just a few distribution areas locally. It’s grown each year and operates year round.

“These individuals keep kids safe, inspire learning, and support working Alaska families during out-of-school times,” Alaska Afterschool Network Director, Thomas Azzarella stated in a recent press release. “We are proud to have so many amazing professionals committed to Alaska’s youth.”

It’s one of kind, according to Ortolano. She said it’s the only nonprofit in the Valley that focuses solely on feeding children. And now, it’s not just the Valley. They serve all the way from Sutton to Fairbanks as the largest fresh meal agency for children in the state, she said.

“It’s been such an amazing journey,” Ortolano said.

Last year, they reached 1,043 children, according to Ortolano. She said they serve over 150,000 meals annually and they’re expecting about a 30 percent increase this year.

“We have quite the reach,” Ortolano said.

Ortolano said that she has been working to feed children in this kind of service long before she established Kids Kupboard.

“I wanted 100 percent of my time addressing childhood hunger,” Ortolano said.

She said that she’s been at it for over 10 years and plans to keep the momentum going for a cause near and dear to her heart. She said that she would’ve “walked 10 miles” for a program like the one she’s running now.

“I grew up as a hungry kid so I get it,” Ortolano said.

There are no special stipulations for kids to get meals. All children are eligible and all are welcome to use their services.

“We don’t turn any kids away,” Ortolano said.

The Kids Kupboard has several indoor facilities at places like Nunley Park and Meadow Lakes that operate year round with more on the horizon, according to Ortolano. They are mobile and pop up all over the Valley and beyond, setting up at parks, playgrounds, near places where afterschool programs are held and popular spots where children gather. She said they have a lot of support from the community with numerous volunteers.

“They make magic happen,” Ortolano said.

The Kids Kupboard partners with numerous agencies in the community to connect all the dots. Ortolano said that she was thankful for being recommended for the Afterschool Superhero honor by one of their many community partners, the Boys and Girls Club.

“It really takes a village and we have quite a tribe,” Ortolano said.

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