ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Rasmuson Foundation board of directors approved grants totaling $1 million to six statewide organizations in a collaborative effort to provide immediate relief to Alaskans facing food insecurity over the holiday season.
 

Statewide, food banks, food pantries and soup kitchens are experiencing increased demands, as rising prices and decreased food benefits leave households without the support they need. The lengthy federal shutdown, along with Typhoon Halong’s displacement of Alaskans from several western communities, taxed an already overwhelmed system.
 

Rasmuson Foundation’s funding will provide immediate support for affected Alaskans by replenishing emergency food supplies, ensuring that fewer Alaskans go hungry this winter.
 

The funding, which will provide for the purchase and distribution of over a million meals, will be distributed among six partners with existing networks equipped to quickly distribute food. The grant of $1 million will be divided between: Bean’s Café ($50,000); Bethel Community Services Foundation ($250,000); Bread Line Inc. ($50,000); Food Bank of Alaska ($400,000); Fairbanks Community Food Bank ($200,000); and Southeast Food Bank in Juneau ($50,000). Collectively, these organizations serve 275 partners that reach communities across most of the state.
 

“Especially as the holidays approach, we are thankful for these partners and their ability and willingness to quickly meet the moment,” said Gretchen Guess, president and CEO of Rasmuson Foundation. “This collaboration reflects the way Alaskans come together to help each other. Our most meaningful impact happens through the relationships we have with our partners.”
 

This grant builds on the Foundation’s previous support of all six organizations, which have collectively received nearly $6.8 million in Foundation funding since 1982.

About Rasmuson Foundation 
Rasmuson Foundation is a private family foundation based in Anchorage, Alaska, with a mission to empower Alaskans to help each other. The Foundation was created in 1955 by Jenny Rasmuson, a Swedish missionary, and her son, Elmer, to honor her late husband, missionary and banker E.A. Rasmuson.