IN THIS MONTHS ISSUE:
APRIL 2020
Upcoming Closures
Thank You
COVID-19 Updates
SNAP Day of Action!
Alaska Food Coalition Fly-in to Juneau
Food Bank-Based Diabetes Study
We Need Stories!
Power Up with Breakfast
Recipe Idea
Food Safety Compliance

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Upcoming Closures

Monday May 25th, 2020  ~  In observance of Memorial Day

Friday July 3rd, 2020  ~  In observance of Fourth of July

Thank You

Thank you, for all your dedication and hard work during these times of uncertainty. With our network of 150 partner organization statewide we are  mobilizing to meet the increasing food need during COVID-19. 



COVID-19 Update ~ News & Food Resources

Visit our website under the News Section to find current information regarding COVID-19. 

If you know of a rural community in need of food we are now offering a Three Month Temporary Partnership. We are able to send Co-Op food to those rural communities free of charge. Example of items available: mac & cheese, peanut butter, rice, soup, jelly, chili, quick oats, etc.  Please send us an email at  [email protected] for more information . 

Thank you to our Development Department, we now have an interactive map that showcases our Statewide Resources. You can find all of our partners and their information here. We will be adding additional features, be sure to keep an eye out! 

You can view this map by clicking here.
 


COVID-19 Update ~ SNAP Program

Division of Public Assistance Closures :
 DPA offices are no longer open to the public. All business is to be conducted over the phone. Office lobbies will still distribute paper applications and receive applications via drop-box. All interviews for the SNAP Program are to be held over the phone. 

SNAP ABAWD Work Requirements Suspended (Effective April 1st, 2020):  The State of Alaska is suspending all work requirements for Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs).  If your SNAP case was recently closed due to the ABAWD work requirements you will be re-eligible for benefits April 1st and should reapply.

SNAP Renewals Extended : The State of Alaska has proactively  suspended all renewal requirements for the months of March, April, May, and June of 2020 . Those with a current SNAP case due to renew in any of these months will automatically have their SNAP case renewed for 6 months.

To view more information regarding updates to the SNAP Program click here. 
 
SNAP DAY OF ACTION!

The Alaska Food Coalition needs your help today! J oin us as we raise a collective voice and ask congress to boost SNAP in the next COVID response bill!  

Step 1: Email your members of congress
Step 2: Post on Social Media
  • Use one or both of the graphics included in this newsletter 
  • Use #SNAPMatters and #SNAPWorksAK in your post
  • Here is some sample language you can include. But feel free to make it your own! If you have anecdotes or stories to include, that will pack an extra punch:
    • SNAP is the nation's first line of defense against hunger. Contact your Members of Congress TODAY and urge them to support a boost to SNAP in the next #COVID-19 relief package. #SNAPMatters #SNAPWorksAK
    • SNAP is helping families put food on the table during this public health and economic crisis. Urge your Members of Congress to boost SNAP, a critical support for families during this time. #SNAPWorksAK
    • Food banks are on the frontlines serving families in need amid #COVID19, but they can't do this work alone. #SNAPWorksAK
    • We need our charitable system & strengthened federal food programs to help those facing hunger. Step 1: boosting #SNAP benefits by 15%. #SNAPMatters #SNAPWorksAK
Step 3: Invite others to join in the conversation
If you have any questions please reach out to Eve Van Dommelen at 907-222-3103 or [email protected].



Alaska Food Coalition Fly-in to Juneau: 
The Alaska Food Coalition had a very successful fly-in to Juneau this past February! Thirty-three coalition members attended and participated in sessions and meetings with the legislature. We met with almost all the members of the legislators and the overall response to our ask was positive! As a result of our meetings, Representatives Josephson and Tuck filed a bill to strengthen SNAP. 

Food Bank-Based Diabetes Prevention Intervention to Address Food Security, Dietary Intake, and Physical Activity in a Food-Insecure Cohort at High Risk for Diabetes

Purpose and Objectives
Although food insecurity is associated with poor dietary intake and risk of chronic disease, few studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of diabetes prevention interventions delivered through food banks. Food banks serve vulnerable communities. The purpose of this pilot project was to assess the effectiveness of a food bank-delivered intervention aimed at improving food security and reducing risk factors for type 2 diabetes among at-risk clients.
Implications for Public Health
This intervention demonstrated that food banks can effectively screen clients at high risk for diabetes and improve household food security and other risk factors for diabetes. Food banks may be an important and strategic partner for health care systems or community-based organizations working to prevent diabetes in food-insecure populations.
To read the full study click here.

We Need Stories!

We are always looking for client stories to share the impact of our programs and work with elected officials and the community, and right now stories about Adults impacted by the ABAWD waiver change and the outbreak of COVID-19 are particularly important. If you have stories, or are willing to connect clients with our team to share their story please reach out to Eve at 907-222-3103 or [email protected]


Power Up Breakfast! 
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Health Tips 

"Breakfast gives you energy to start the day. A healthy breakfast is important for everyone. Get the morning nutrition you need with these quick breakfast ideas." 

To get more information on breakfast click  here. 
Recipe Idea 

Peanut Butter Pancakes 
  • 1 Cup Pancake Mix
  • 1 Cup of 2% Milk
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 Tablespoon of Chunky Peanut Butter
1. Mix all ingredients except PB together.

2. Let the mixture sit about 2 minutes then mix in PB with a spoon. Cook as desired. 








Nutrition Tip
Adding peanut butter to the pancakes gives a more balanced meal. Peanut butter is a great source of protein and spices up regular pancakes. 

HAS YOUR FOOD WORKER CARD OR FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATE EXPIRED? 

Here are some Options for Food Safety Training:

If your agency is w ithin  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 about an hour, costs $10 and is valid for 3 years. click 
     here for information about the certification.
  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, click 
    here  for information about how to register.
  3. Food Safety and Orientations - Held at the Food Bank of Alaska on the second Monday of every month. Warehouse Orientation is at 2:00 pm and Food Safety immediately follows at 2:30 pm. Please contact the Programs Department to register for this class at [email protected].**Currently in person classes are suspended until further notice. We are available to provide training via webinar**
If your agency is outside the Municipality of Anchorage: 
  1. click here  for information about the certification offered by the State of Alaska, Division of Environmental Health. NOTE: You are also required to meet any additional requirements set by your specific jurisdiction. 
  2. Food Bank of Alaska also provides Food Safety webinars upon request. To Schedule a webinar training please email [email protected]
W HAT TO EXPECT IN OUR NEXT ISSUE

Closures
Website Updates
Advocacy Updates
Agency Conference Updates
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