Alaska Food Coalition

The Alaska Food Coalition is a statewide network of advocates working to strengthen food security and end hunger in Alaska.

Through collaborative efforts, the coalition works together to lift up the voices of our neighbors and ensure that every Alaskans has access to the food they need to thrive.

The Alaska Food Coalition (AFC) advocates for lasting policy solutions that make quality, affordable, and culturally preferred food accessible in every community across Alaska.

Food Bank of Alaska proudly sponsors AFC as its fiscal agent and partner in advocacy, research, and coalition building. Together, we address the root causes of hunger and pursue long-term, sustainable solutions centered on the people we serve.

Our Mission

We are committed to ending hunger in Alaska by:
✔ Advocating on behalf of our neighbors to strengthen nutrition programs and expand food access statewide.
✔ Sharing research and lived experience to inform policymakers and the public about food insecurity.
✔ Building a coalition of partners and community voices to coordinate anti-hunger efforts and amplify impact.

Our History

Established in 1996, AFC began as an initiative supported by the Alaska Department of Health and Human Services (now Department of Health). Initially, the coalition focused on helping agencies and village councils access food resources and funding opportunities to support food security programs. Over time, AFC evolved into a statewide advocacy and education force, working with lawmakers, community leaders, and partner organizations to enact meaningful policy changes.

In 2001, AFC transitioned to Food Bank of Alaska, allowing it to access broader funding streams, including federal USDA grants, which continue to sustain the coalition today. AFC's work has expanded to include legislative advocacy, research on food insecurity, and support for local food programs through capacity building mini-grants and partnerships.

Alaska Food Coalition Annual Meeting & Legislative Fly-In

February 9-11, 2026 | Juneau, AK

During the second week of February each year, advocates from all parts of Alaska's food system gather in Juneau to connect with state lawmakers on food policy for Food Security Week. Partners from Food Bank of Alaska, Alaska Food Coalition, Alaska Food Policy Council, Alaska Farm Bureau, the Alaska Farmers Market Association, and join forces to advocate with a unified message–Everybody Eats!

OUR WORK

Advocacy & Education

AFC leads coordinated efforts to influence policies that ensure that everyone eats. Each year, coalition members travel to Juneau for a Legislative Fly-In to:

Engage with elected officials and policymakers to champion stronger food security policies
Share real-life experiences and data to illustrate the impact of food insecurity on Alaskans
Participate in discussions about community needs, state and federal hunger relief programs

Our advocacy is rooted in the belief that policies should reflect the needs of the neighbors and communities we serve and work toward a future where hunger in Alaska is truly a thing of the past.

Key Advocacy Wins:

Securing SNAP emergency allotments during COVID-19
Expanding school meal programs and increasing funding for child nutrition
Removing the drug felony ban for SNAP eligibility, ensuring access for those in need

OUR WORK

Research & Data

AFC plays a critical role in data collection and research to drive evidence-based solutions. Our research initiatives include:

Partnering with Feeding America to raise awareness around food insecurity trends through the Map the Meal Gap report
Conducting Alaska-specific research to identify gaps in food access
Sharing reports and findings with legislators, community leaders, and local organizations to inform policy decisions

OUR WORK

Coalition Building & Partnerships

AFC believes that collaboration is essential to fighting hunger effectively. By connecting food pantries, state agencies, Tribal organizations, and nonprofits, AFC:

Facilitates information sharing to strengthen local food systems
Supports grassroots advocates working on hunger relief initiatives
Helps member organizations access funding and program resources

Member Organizations Include:
✔ Kenai Peninsula Food Bank
✔ Alaska Children’s Trust
✔ NeighborWorks Alaska
✔ Bristol Bay Native Association
...and many more partners statewide!

Join or Renew Your Membership with the Alaska Food Coalition

Membership in the Alaska Food Coalition means being part of a statewide effort to build a stronger, more equitable food system. Join or renew your membership to stay engaged, informed and connected to food security work across Alaska.

Contact Us

Grace Heglund-Lohman
Alaska Food Coalition Manager
c/o Food Bank of Alaska
2192 Viking Dr, Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: 907-222-3103
Email: grace@foodbankofalaska.org