Contributed by Mallory Saltamacchio
September is Hunger Action Month, a time to shine a light on food insecurity and, more importantly, remind our community that each of us can make a difference.
For Kids Kupboard, a local nonprofit dedicated to combating childhood hunger in the Mat-Su Valley, food insecurity isn’t simply a statistic. It is a child sitting down at school without knowing where their next meal will come from. It is a parent trying to stretch a grocery budget already stretched too thin. It is a grandparent suddenly raising grandchildren and wondering how to provide enough food for the family.
And sometimes, it is as simple as one car breaking down. One community member picks up 25 lunches daily to distribute to multiple families. Those lunches aren’t just 25 bags of food; they represent meals for 25 children. If that driver’s car breaks down, and it has, 25 kids could potentially go without lunch that day.
That’s the reality of food insecurity. Behind every meal is a network of people, vehicles, volunteers, donations and community support working together to make sure children have access to food.
Food insecurity doesn’t look the same for everyone. Consider a grandfather who suddenly finds himself caring for three grandchildren. As a veteran living on a limited income, his budget leaves little room for unexpected expenses, including rising grocery costs. He comes to Kids Kupboard for food for his grandchildren, but getting out regularly isn’t always easy.
As temperatures drop, the cold takes a toll on his body and makes regular trips for food even more difficult.
Then there is a mother navigating a divorce. She is doing everything she can to keep her family going, but after paying for life’s necessities, there simply isn’t enough money left for much more than the bare essentials. For her, Kids Kupboard provides more than food. It relieves some pressure and allows her to put what resources she has toward keeping her family stable during an incredibly difficult time.
These stories are different, but they share something important: circumstances can change quickly, and food insecurity can affect families who never expected to need help.
Hunger Action Month, and every month for that matter, is an opportunity to move beyond awareness and turn concern into action.
There are many ways to help Kids Kupboard continue providing nutritious meals to children and families throughout the Mat-Su Valley:
Donate: Financial contributions help cover everyday food distribution costs, from purchasing food and supplies to keeping vehicles on the road and supporting the staff who coordinate the work.
Donate food: Kids Kupboard regularly needs peanut butter, jelly, lunch meat, sliced cheese, canned fruits and vegetables, fruit cups, sandwich bags, paper lunch sacks and other pantry staples.
Volunteer: Volunteers are essential to preparing, packing and distributing meals. Whether you have a few hours to give or can volunteer regularly, your time directly supports local children.
Decorate a lunch bag: Through Kids Kupboard’s Lunch with Love program, community members can decorate brown paper lunch bags with encouraging messages and artwork. A simple decorated bag can turn an ordinary meal into something that reminds a child their community cares about them.
Support Kids Kupboard when you shop: Community members can participate in programs such as Fred Meyer Community Rewards and RoundUp to provide ongoing support through everyday purchases.
You’re invited to attend Kids Kupboard’s annual Empty Bowl Fundraiser on Dec. 6, 2026, at the new Knik Landing. This year’s theme is “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” The Empty Bowl is more than an upscale brunch of food, fun and fundraising. It is an opportunity for the community to come together around a very real issue: making sure children don’t have to wonder where their next meal is coming from.
Tickets are currently on sale, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Funds raised help Kids Kupboard continue its mission of feeding the success of Alaska’s children.
As the weather gets colder and winter approaches, the need doesn’t disappear. In fact, challenges facing families can become even greater. Transportation becomes harder, heating costs compete with grocery bills, and getting children the food they need requires an even stronger community effort.
This September, Kids Kupboard invites the Mat-Su Valley to take action because when our community comes together, we can make sure no child faces hunger alone. More info: kidskupboard.org.
Event Info: Kids Kupboard’s annual Empty Bowl Fundraiser; Dec. 6, 2026; Knik Landing; theme: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”; tickets and sponsorships available; kidskupboard.org.
