Welcome Anthony to the Programs Department!
Joining the Food Bank of Alaska team in 2019, Anthony Reinert began as the SNAP Outreach Manager. He is excited to step into the role of Programs Director to lead this dedicated team. With a focus on relationship building, process improvement and data analysis, Anthony is focused on building a resilient department that can become the best version of itself. Anthony is a two-time graduate of Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado holding a B.A. in Environmental Studies and a B.A. in Business Administration. Currently, he is attending Colorado State University seeking his master’s degree in Management and Organizational Leadership. In his free time, Anthony is an avid paddler and outdoors-person who loves planning camping trips across the state to experience the many natural wonders Alaska has to offer.  

Anthony will be hosting a meet and greet on Friday, March 4th from 12pm - 1pm, click here to join the meeting via Zoom.
November 2021 - January 2022 Distribution Numbers
Feeding Alaskans Together
Over 1,557,751 meals were distributed in November 2021 - January 2022 through our partner agencies.
National Nutrition Month!
Celebrate a World of Flavors in March!
Enjoying different flavors of the world is a chance to learn more about your own food culture as well as those that may be new to you.

Trying foods and recipes from various cultures is one way to include different flavors into your healthy eating routine. Many cuisines offer dishes which include foods from each food group, so it's possible to plan meals that are nutritious, well-balanced, and bursting with flavor.
Summer Child Nutrition Program Available for Rural Alaska!
Does your agency need extra help?
Get started on becoming an AmeriCorps host site today!
AmeriCorps members are national service participants with a heart of service who commit to serving their community for a designated length of time. The presence of AmeriCorps members gives nonprofit organizations the ability to amplify their programming.

If your agency is in need of additional support this summer and would like to become an AmeriCorps host site download the information packet below!
Spreading Holiday Joy with Break Bags!
Break bags fill the gap during Christmas break for those children in need of meals.
By: LouAnne Carroll-Tysdal
During Christmas break many children miss out on school meals and weekend meal programs. In order to ensure that kids have access to needed nutrition during this time, Upper Susitna Food Pantry (USFP) packs "break bags" to fill the gap. The bags are filled with boxes of basic foods that kids can easily prepare to help ensure they get nutritious meals during break. Each year, community volunteers gather to pack and deliver the bags to kids in participating schools.

Parents tell us that these bags make a huge difference in how they are able to feed their kids and kids tell us they really like the food they get in the bags. One youngster confided that they love the cereal because mom never buys that kind!
USFP volunteer helping prepare bags!
USFP volunteer helping a neighbor load their vehicle!
Filipino-Style Chicken Adobo Recipe
Chicken adobo is a classic dish in the cuisine of the Philippines!
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil or other neutral oil
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs, separated into thighs and drumsticks (about 2 1/2 lbs.)
  • Kosher salt
  • 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 2 whole fresh bay leaves (or 3 dry)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
  • 1 1/4 cup water
  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • 1 cup rice vinegar
  • Steamed white rice or garlic friend rice, for serving
  1. In a heavy-bottom pot, heat oil over medium heat until shimmering. Blot chicken dry with paper towels, then season lightly all over with salt.
  2. Working in batches if necessary, add chicken pieces to pot in a single layer, skin side down, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Cook until well browned, 6 to 7 minutes. Using tongs, flip chicken pieces and cook until lightly brown on the second side, about 3 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. Add garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns to now-empty pot and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is very fragrant and garlic turns a light golden color, about 30 seconds. Add water and stir with a wooden spoon, scraping up any brown bits on the bottom of the pot. Add soy sauce and vinegar, return chicken pieces to pot, increase heat to high, and bring liquid to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until chicken is cooked through and tender, about 20 minutes, turning the chicken pieces halfway through.
  4. To Serve: The chicken is best served after sitting overnight in the refrigerator, but it can also be served immediately, with steamed white rice or garlic fried rice.

To view the recipe on serious eats click here.
Food Safety Certification
Has your food worker card or food safety certificate expired?
Here are some options for Food Safety Training:

If your agency is within the Municipality of Anchorage:
  1. Food Handlers Card - This is an online certification that develops a strong level of food safety knowledge. The course takes approx. 1 hour, costs $10 and is valid for 3 years.
  2. ServSafe - This is an 8 hour training required for an agency that prepares and serves food such as congregate meals. Alaska regulations require these types of agencies to have at least one person with this training on site when meals are prepared and served. ServSafe classes are offered by Alaska CHARR.
  3. FBA Food Safety & Orientation - This class is free to our partner agencies, valid for 3 years and is approx. 1 hour, via Zoom webinar every second Tuesday of the month at 3:00 pm. Warehouse orientation can be scheduled by appointment only.

If your agency is outside the Municipality of Anchorage:
  1. DEC Food Handlers Card - This online certification is offered through the State of Alaska, Division of Environmental Health. Valid for 3 years. NOTE: You are also required to meet any additional requirements set by your specific jurisdiction.
  2. FBA Food Safety & Orientation - This class is free to our partner agencies, valid for 3 years and is approx. 1 hour, via Zoom webinar every second Tuesday of the month at 3:00 pm.
Share your Story
Want to be featured in our next edition?
We are always looking for stories and photos of our partner agencies or clients.

Telling stories has the power to influence, teach and inspire. Our community, donors, board members, and staff love to share the impact on reducing food insecure Alaskans.

Share with us today!
Food Bank of Alaska
2192 Viking Drive
Anchorage, AK 99501