Every year, the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank publishes an annual report recapping the scope of services offered to those in need on the Kenai Peninsula. In 2023, despite a SNAP backlog affecting thousands of Alaskans, increases in food and fuel costs, decreases in government commodities, and a lingering post-COVID increase in demand, the KP Food Bank still managed to not only meet needs but even expand and increase its support to new communities.
Executive Director Greg Meyer says the Food Bank’s success on the peninsula is largely due to the generosity and support of its many volunteers, sponsors, and donors. “It’s because of this amazing community that we can do what we do. I mean, it just never ceases to amaze me, and we’re so grateful.”
In 2023, over 200 volunteers donated over 6,500 hours, helping in food distribution, operations, remodeling, and events, which Meyer puts into a staggering dollar figure. “The volunteer hours this year were over 6,500. So, if you take the government-assigned value of $31.80 an hour, that’s over $200,000 worth of volunteer time that was donated to the food bank in addition to all the rest of this. So, that is remarkable.”
The challenges facing the KPFB in 2023 were substantial, beginning with another increase in individuals experiencing food insecurity. According to the report, 1 in 9 people–including 1 in 8 children–on the Kenai Peninsula suffer from food insecurity.
The increased demands on food banks were compounded by a 74% decrease in commodities offered by the government.
Perhaps the greatest challenge to food banks in 2023, however, was the immense SNAP backlog, which began in Aug. 2022 and wasn’t fully cleared up until Sept. 2023. During that time, tens of thousands of Alaskans relied solely on food banks as they waited months for the approval of their SNAP benefits.
Yet, the KPFB, which served a staggering 46 different distribution points across the peninsula, was able to expand and increase its reach. The annual report highlights the role of supporters in this success. “Throughout 2023, your support went towards expanding our reach and increasing the assistance we provide to communities such as Hope, Nanwalek, Tyonek, [and] Seward.”
View the entire 2023 annual report on the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank’s website.