Food Bank of Alaska's Rachel Miller urges continued funding for hunger relief programs

The Alaska Legislature's House Finance Committee convened on March 12, 2025, to discuss critical issues affecting the state's operating budget, particularly in relation to food security and educational programs. The meeting featured testimony from key stakeholders, including Rachel Miller, Chief Advocacy Officer at the Food Bank of Alaska, and Aurora Courtney, a parent and advocate for the ANSEP program.

Miller opened the session by highlighting the ongoing nutritional crisis in Alaska, where one in eight residents and one in six children face hunger. She emphasized the importance of continued funding for food assistance programs, citing the rising cost of living, supply chain challenges, and gaps in federal support as contributing factors to the issue. Miller expressed gratitude for past legislative support but urged the committee to maintain momentum in addressing food insecurity.

She specifically advocated for the continuation of direct food purchasing programs, referencing a recent $1.5 million food security grant from the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, and another $1.5 million allocated for the Food Bank and Pantry Relief Fund from the Department of Health. These funds have been instrumental in distributing millions of pounds of food across the state.

Miller also stressed the need for initiatives that support children's nutrition, particularly through programs like summer EBT and free and reduced school meals. She noted a previous budget increment aimed at transitioning nearly 4,000 students from reduced-cost lunches to free meals, which received widespread support but ultimately did not make it into the final budget.

Following Miller's testimony, Aurora Courtney shared her experiences with the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP), highlighting its positive impact on students, including her daughter. Courtney described how the program fosters a supportive learning environment, allowing students to engage in college-level coursework while developing essential life skills. She praised the program for its role in preparing students for future careers and emphasized the importance of continued support for such educational initiatives.

The meeting underscored the critical need for ongoing legislative attention to food security and educational programs in Alaska, with both Miller and Courtney advocating for sustained funding and support to address these pressing issues. The committee's discussions will likely inform future budget decisions as they seek to enhance the well-being of Alaskans.