Written by Claire Stremple from Alaska Beacon – May 16, 2024 6:05 PM Supporters say the new legislation marks a turning point to a proactive response to food instability in Alaska More Alaskans will be able to access food stamps following lawmakers’ vote to expand eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program on Wednesday night. The change comes after more than a … Read More
Matson’s Generous Support of the Food Bank of Alaska
Matson’s Generous Support in 2023: Partnering with the Food Bank of Alaska to Feed Alaskans The Food Bank of Alaska is profoundly grateful for Matson’s unwavering support. In 2023, Matson significantly increased its community contributions, donating $8.7 million to 738 charitable organizations. Of this, $2.5 million was dedicated to Food Security programs, highlighting their commitment to fighting hunger. In 2023, … Read More
Disney-themed magical creations come to life at Anchorage CANstruction
Check out awesome creations on display right now at the Dimond Mall in Anchorage. Design and architect companies built them using only canned goods. The contest called Anchorage CANstruction has been going on for 15 years and this year, the theme as is Disney! One team even built Olaf from Frozen out of cans. You can check out this year’s entries at … Read More
State lags in heating assistance payments to Alaskans with low incomes, catches up on food stamps
The Alaska Division of Public Assistance said Tuesday it has caught up on food stamp applications. That means no Alaskan is waiting an unlawful time for food aid for the first time since 2022. But there are people waiting for other benefits programs, including heating assistance. The state Division of Public Assistance worked to eliminate its most recent backlog of … Read More
As Alaska pays millions to fix food stamp backlog, lawmakers suggest systemic fixes
A pair of bills before lawmakers would make systemic changes to the way the state’s food stamp program processes applications and could expand access to food aid for Alaskans. The legislation comes after more than a year of extreme delays in food stamp distribution across the state that have left thousands of vulnerable Alaskans without aid for months at a … Read More
40 Days of Giving Challenge
What is the “40 Days of Giving Challenge?” For those who are looking for a way to add giving to your Lenten practices, Food Bank of Alaska is offering a daily challenge: How To Participate: Collection will take place during the 40 days of Lent, beginning Ash Wednesday through Holy Thursday (February 14 – March 28, 2021). Food may be dropped … Read More
Bill would relax food stamp income eligibility requirements for Alaskans
Alaska senators gathered public testimony Tuesday in Juneau on a bill that would relax certain eligibility requirements for receiving federal food assistance, including increasing the income limit and doing away with an asset test. If passed, the household income requirements for SNAP food benefits would increase from 130% of the federal poverty guideline to 200%, a move that many other … Read More
Alaskan anti-hunger leaders discuss challenges facing state food security with legislature
Video In Alaska, food security is an ongoing issue, with many in the state struggling to put food on the table and non-profits struggling to keep up with demand. To acknowledge that reality, the state legislature recognizes this week as Food Security Week, and heard a presentation on Monday, February 12 from food banks and other leaders from around Alaska. … Read More
Alaska’s federal food stamp funding at risk, USDA letter warns
Alaska’s Department of Health risks losing federal funding for its food stamp program, warned a letter from the United States Department of Agriculture on Tuesday. It said the department is out of compliance with federal standards for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program due to what it described as “inefficient and ineffective administration.” The Department of Health has struggled to manage a backlog of … Read More