For more than a year, the AFPC Conference Planning Committee has been working diligently to create an inclusive, informative, and engaging experience for conference attendees. This conference edition had the added challenges of presenting a virtual event while navigating new technology during the COVID-19 pandemic. This challenge also provided new virtual opportunities for both presenters and attendees to participate, removing barriers like travel costs. In fact, we had over 275 attendees and presenters, representing 59 unique communities: 39 within Alaska alone, 9 states and the Virgin Islands.
THE ALASKA FOOD POLICY IS GROWING! ALONG WITH HIRING OUR FIRST-EVER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR, WE'VE RECENTLY WELCOMED THREE NEW MEMBERS TO OUR GOVERNING BOARD. WITH NEW SKILLS, INTERESTS, AND TALENTS, AFPC INCREASES ITS CAPACITY TO SUPPORT A STRONGER, MORE RESILIENT FOOD SYSTEM FOR ALL ALASKANS. WELCOME TO THE TEAM!!
While school buildings were closed to students on March 16, 2020 by state-issued Health Mandates; many districts have still been feeding students throughout the state. School nutrition professionals across Alaska have transitioned their programs from the cafeteria to meals-to-go, bus route stops, and even home delivery. In an average day, schools in Alaska serve approximately 48,000 lunches; a three-quarters of which are to children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Across the state schools knew the impact closure would have on families.
LAST FALL, AFPC STARTED A FOOD WASTE WORK-GROUP TO START LOOKING AT WAYS THAT WE CAN MOVE THE DIAL ON REDUCING FOOD WASTE IN OUR STATE. AS PART OF THIS WORK-GROUP, A PRIORITY IS TO START HIGHLIGHTING SOME OF THE GREAT MODELS ALREADY IN PLACE WHERE ALASKA BUSINESSES ARE FOCUSING THEIR EFFORTS TO REDUCE THEIR FOOD WASTE- EITHER BY PRODUCING LESS, STRATEGICALLY USING LEFTOVERS, DONATING THEIR LEFTOVERS TO NON-PROFITS, OR COMPOSTING. THIS MONTH WE ARE HIGHLIGHTING THE EFFORTS OF ASM GLOBAL THAT MANAGES EGAN AND DENA’INA CENTERS IN ANCHORAGE. GREG SPEARS, GENERAL MANAGER PROVIDED US WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR EFFORTS.
The three-day annual conference, subtitled “A New Decade: Innovations in Alaska Agriculture and Food Production”, was held in an eco-friendly two-story secured facility nestled in the woods on the southern end of the BP campus in midtown Anchorage. The talks and presentations were located in aptly named rooms: Aspen and Birch on the 1st floor, and Alder/Cottonwood, Spruce/Willow, and Fir on the 2nd floor. The conference fee was nominally-priced and appeared to be well-attended (estimated at 50-70 people during peak). A continental breakfast was included in the registration fee and snacks and refreshments were provided during session breaks. In the building’s foyer, tables were set up for displays and handouts were provided by various organizations.
Alaska Food Coalition + Food Bank of Alaska (multiple food banks and pantries from around the state)
Alaska Farm Bureau
Alaska Farmland Trust + farmers
Alaska Food Policy Council
Alaska Farmers Market Association + market managers
Calling all AFPC members and prospective members! Looking for a fun way to help support the AFPC mission? Join the Fundraising Committee — Opportunities to help plan our biannual AFPC Food Systems Conference, a food and music festival, add membership value, and market AFPC activities. Contact: info@alaskafoodpolicycouncil.org
Salt & Soil Marketplace, an online farmer’s market selling local food in Juneau, Sitka, and Haines, has been open for almost three years now. In that time we saw our sales double the first two summers, and we were happy to announce at the last Alaska Food Policy Council conference in Homer that we expected to continue to grow steadily this summer. Sadly, that did not occur; instead our sales are half of what they were from last year.
We interviewed Juneau customers of Salt & Soil and other farmers, farmers markets, and landscapers to determine why this is happening. Are we alone in our local food slump or is this a larger region-wide occurrence?
The Alaska Food Policy Council is proud to once again partner with the Anchorage Mayor's Office to award a second round of Local Food Mini-Grants for projects focused on increasing local food production and access in the Municipality of Anchorage. The response to the call for proposals was fantastic, with 16 strong applications -- of which 12 were funded. Congratulations to the awardee groups and individuals from:
RurAL CAP
Mt. View Community Center for Boys and Girls Club
Girdwood Community Garden Project
First Congregational Church
Chanshtnu Muldoon Community Food Forest Project
Campbell STEM Elementary School
Woodland Park Boys and Girls Club
Bayshore Elementary School
Susitna Elementary School
Alaska Seeds of Change
Alaska Mental Health Consumer Web
Independent citizens who will hold a gardening workshop at a local farmers market.
Here’s a list of resources to locate more information
Dear Representative/Senator ____,
My name is _______. I’m a [member, supporter, etc] on the Alaska Food Policy Council [and feel free to include other affiliations, info about you]. I am very concerned with Governor Dunleavy’s proposed cuts to programs that support Alaska’s food system. Some programs and funding streams that should be protected include:
Programs that Support Alaska Agriculture
Programs slated for reduction or elimination from the State Division of Agriculture (Division) include: the Alaska Grown program, the Agriculture Revolving Loan Fund, the Farm to Institution program, and nearly all of the services of the Plant Materials Center (PMC). In addition to providing marketing and promotion, access to lending, development of new markets, and research on varieties and diseases, these programs also bring in millions of dollars in federal funds. While the entire Division budget is ~$1.3 million State dollars, programs are supported and matched with between $2 and 3 million fee-for-service and federal dollars annually. Without the Division team to provide support however, these dollars will be turned away and growers will not have access to essential programs.
The proposed cut of the Department of Environmental Conservation, Dairy Sanitation position would eliminate Alaskans access to grade A milk and put at least one multi-generational farm out of business.
Services provided by the Division should be considered “core” services. Not only are the dedicated staff incredibly knowledgeable about Alaska agriculture issues, they are highly efficient, budget conscious and committed to supporting the industry as a whole. Alaskans have benefited from a Department or Division of Agriculture since Territorial Days; industry members are dependent on the knowledge, expertise and unbiased support that Division staff provide.
The PMC provides vital services for continued resource development within Alaska. The PMC is tasked with protecting the State from invasive species of plants, insects, animals and disease. Their efforts support natural resource development statewide, for example, “Canada thistle” was recently discovered along the roadway north of the Alaska Range, 100 miles south of Prudhoe Bay. This invasive species is a threat to native plant vegetation and wildlife as well as a potential problem for future natural resource development. It is noteworthy that hundreds of millions of dollars are spent annually treating “Canada thistle” in the lower 48; this is only to keep it at bay, as eradication is now considered impossible. The PMC staff treated the Alaskan outbreak of “Canada thistle” with the intent to eradicate it from the North Slope, maintaining Alaska’s pristine environment.
Alaskans import 95% of the food they purchase, but have demonstrated their support of Alaska Grown products through their commitment to shopping at farmers markets, participating in the $5-a-week Alaska Grown Challenge at retail grocery stores, and encouraging growers of all products to increase production. To cut off the valuable services provided by the Division now, during this time of incredible momentum, would be devastating to our immature but thriving industry.
Programs that Reduce Food Insecurity and Support Access to Food
The Senior Benefit Program funding of $24.4 million will be eliminated and the Governor is seeking a full repeal of the program altogether. This program provides cash assistance to more than 11,000 low-income Alaskan elders so they can afford necessities specifically food, heat, and medication. The loss of this funding combined with other proposed cuts, like those to the PFD Hold Harmless Fund or to Adult Public Assistance, means that some low-income seniors could be receiving multiple cuts.
The Human Services Community Matching Grant funding of $1.38 million will be eliminated. This is one of the only funding streams to support operations for basic needs services, specifically food and shelter. Many emergency food providers, including Food Bank of Alaska, Catholic Social Services, Covenant House Alaska, and many others, receive this funding. The loss of these funds to the anti-hunger network would be compounded by the decrease in other benefits for low-income Alaskans, which creates additional need and pressure on their network.
There is an overall $35.4 million cut to public assistance, including cuts to Adult Public Assistance (for low-income seniors and disabled individuals), tribal assistance program, and the PFD Hold Harmless Fund, which will likely reduce eligibility and benefits for many public assistance programs.
While child nutrition programs weren’t cut directly, the massive 25% in reductions to public education will result in the reduction of the school meal program in many districts. Some rural districts have already cut this critical program because of insufficient budgets, and this is of huge concern to us, given the critical role of school meals in addressing childhood food insecurity. The State of Alaska Child Nutrition Programs are reporting that several districts are not committing to operating a school meal program for fear of school budget cuts.
I hope that you will work to protect these important programs that support Alaska’s food systems. Please let me know if you have any questions, and thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
xxx
This new study is designed to provide more detailed recommendations and assist the AFPC as it works with the new Food Security Subcommittee of the Alaska House Resources Committee, co-chaired by Rep. Geran Tarr. It will focus on specific initiatives that might be advanced by AFPC, offering both an overall description of each project, and detailed financial projections for each.
Executive Summary (2018 Report)
The most critical concern facing the Alaska food system is the security of its food supply. Traditional food gathering skills are in decline due to mechanization. The state’s former agricultural economy has withered in the face of imported food.
This means that more than $1.9 billion leaves the state each year as Alaskans purchase food sourced outside. Alaska youth, both rural and urban, typically grow up with few skills in subsistence gathering or farming. Cultures which long supported this activity, building food self-reliance as well as economic and spiritual strength, have waned.
While a solid core of farms has risen to the challenge of raising food inside the state, making Alaska one of the national leaders in community-based food, these farms require supportive infrastructure to sustain themselves over the long-term. If Alaska wishes to feed itself, it will need to make a sustained investment in new farms, supportive services and infrastructure, and a lasting culture that ensures skills and insight are instilled in future generations. This will build upon prior investments in farm-to-school programs and Alaska Grown foods.
This report does not answer the question of which infrastructure investments would be optimal for Alaska to make; that is beyond the scope of this project. It does, however, provide costs estimates for several options, and make recommendations for how to proceed if any of the strategies outlined here were adopted.
We focus on three areas:
1. Workforce Development Through Farming on State Lands
2. Food Storage in Climate-Protected Food Caches Across the State
3. Shared-Use Community Kitchens
Read the full 29-page report here. (Also accessible from our Resources page)
Alaska Local Food Program awarded part of $13.4 Million Dollar USDA Grants
Homer, AK- The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $13.4 Million this year to 52 recipients across the country including $403,000 to Alaska’s Cook Inletkeeper, a community-based non-profit organization and major recipient of USDA’s 2017 Farmer’s Market Outreach Program (FMPP).
“It’s an amazing step forward for local food programs in Alaska,” said Robbi Mixon, Local Foods Director at Cook Inletkeeper and Director of the Homer Farmers Market. “These new funds will be focused on market and producer sustainability, helping markets throughout the state assist participating producers, as well as the markets’ outreach to consumers”.
The project will recreate the Alaska Farmers Market Association, a statewide collaboration, with a targeting pilot effort across the Kenai Peninsula, will identify farmers’ market producer needs and provide specific trainings and support for those networks. The Association will also provide funding for market manager and farmer trainings, annual statewide conferences, and shared marketing, while collecting baseline data on a number of market metrics.
“Increasing food security and reducing food miles are vitally important to the sustained well-being of our communities around the state,” she explained. Mixon also manages the Kenai Peninsula & Anchorage Food Hub, a program of Cook Inletkeeper that provides an online market for 100% local foods and crafts. “95% of Alaska’s food is currently imported. Purchasing local food supports farms, increases our region’s food security, protects the environment, creates jobs and boosts the local economy. ”
Since its creation in 2002, FMPP funding has assisted local producers to grow their businesses by helping them connect directly with the shoppers at farmers markets, roadside stands and through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs. During that time, the number of farmers markets in America has more than doubled from 3,137 to over 8,684 today. FMPP grantees report an average 27% increase in vendor sales since receiving their grant, and 94% report an increase in first time market customers.
Get a jump start on your 2018 garden at the Southeast Garden Conference for a three day Feb. 19-18 in Haines. Topics will range from growing local produce in our climate, home use and small-scale farms, soil health, gardening practices, storage and preservation, composting, and food security.
Jeff Lowenfels, long-time Alaska gardener and author will be the keynote speaker!
To register for the event visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/southeast-garden-conference-2018-tickets-41345584757
To learn more visit: https://sitkalocalfoodsnetwork.org/2018/01/03/southeast-alaska-garden-conference-set-for-feb-16-18-in-haines/
The Alaska Food Policy Council (AFPC) and UAA's Center for Community Engagement and Learning (CCEL) is excited to announce that they are now co-shareholders in the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development (JAFSCD)!
What does this mean? Why is this exciting?
By recruiting shareholders from across the US to cover the costs of maintaining a peer-reviewed journal, the JAFSCD is now OPEN ACCESS. This means that anyone can read their content for FREE. This is great news for anyone involved (or interested) in issues of agriculture, food systems, and community development -- and who wants to know what is happening at the forefront of food across the nation. In this journal, you will find research, case studies, commentaries, and more about food projects, policies, and education, including many articles authored by Alaskans.
Additional benefits to AFPC members and UAA faculty, students, and staff include:
-eligibility to receive a waiver of the $500 publishing fee when their article is selected for publication.
AND
-professional author mentoring (i.e., guidance for those authoring submissions)
For more information, please contact Liz H Snyder at ehodges4@alaska.edu
You can find the journal at: https://www.foodsystemsjournal.org/index.php/fsj/index
Enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, in Alaska increased by 36.3% from FY16 to FY17. Thousands of Alaskans are relying on SNAP to have regular access to nutrition. Cuts or harmful restrictions to SNAP funding would increase hunger in our communities.
Here are some actions you can take to support SNAP
Sign on the Food Bank of Alaska’s letter of support
Stay informed
Follow the Food Bank of Alaska at SNAP Works AK to stay up date with accurate information regarding the threats SNAP is facing.
Contact your legislator
Sending your legislator an email or giving their office a phone call is a measurable way to have your voice heard. State your name, that you are a constituent, and be specific and brief about why you are contacting them.
This Tuesday is #GivingTuesday, please consider donating to the Alaska Food Policy Council. We appreciate your support!
Charles Bingham, Sitka Local Food Network, Board President
Charles Bingham is board president and communications director of the Sitka Local Foods Network. He also serves on the advisory team of the Sitka Kitch community rental commercial kitchen project, and has been involved in several other Sitka Health Summit community wellness projects. His work experience includes nearly two decades working as a newspaper journalist all over Alaska, and more than a decade working in media/public relations for a tribal health network, university and as a freelancer. Charles grew up in Anchorage and has lived and/or worked in all corners of Alaska. He has been in Sitka for 12 years and Southeast Alaska for 18 years.
Jo Dawson, Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, Child Nutrition Program Manager
Jo Dawson is the Child Nutrition Programs State Director for the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development and holds a Master of Science in Management and Leadership. A lifelong Alaskan, Jo lives in Juneau, Alaska with her husband, youngest daughter, and three dogs.
Melissa Chlupach, Nana Management Services, Regional Healthcare Dietitian
Melissa Chlupach was born and raised in Willow, Alaska and attended the University of Idaho. She received Bachelor of Science degrees in Animal Sciences ¬- Production and Nutrition/Dietetics and a Master of Science degree in Sport Science and Nutrition. Melissa has been with NANA Management Services (NMS) for 11 years and is currently the Regional Healthcare Dietitian. Today, she supports seven food service contracts (Maniilaq Health Center, Maniilaq Utuqqanaat Inaat Long-Term Care, ANMC, API, Marlow Manor Assisted Living, SEARHC Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital and San Carlos Apache Healthcare Center). Melissa received the Alaska Dietetic Association’s (AKDA) 2016 Emerging Dietetic Leader of the Year and 2017 Outstanding Dietitian of the Year. She is President-Elect for AKDA. Her biggest and most rewarding project is the traditional foods initiative and movement for the State of Alaska. Melissa's goal is to bring people together to share best practices so we can learn from each other, promoting health and wellness throughout our Native American communities.
Rachael Miller, The Food Corridor, Director of Community and Alaska Pacific University, Assistant Professor of Business
After a stint in the United States Peace Corps as a small business volunteer, a few seasons commercial fishing in Dutch Harbor, building sustainable seafood tools for restaurants, launching a street food business in West Africa, Rachael finally landed in Anchorage. She believes in consumer empowerment through education and increased access to resources, and sees business as a tool to catalyze change. Rachael is a food systems consultant and Director of Community for The Food Corridor, a shared-use kitchen management platform. When not learning more about the world's food system, she teaches marketing, entrepreneurship, and innovation in both the undergraduate business and MBA programs at Alaska Pacific University.
At the 2017 Alaska Food Festival & Conference, about 200 participants learned the latest information on food sovereignty, biomass greenhouses, food hubs and co-ops, salmon, and a host of other Alaska food system issues. Saturday’s Food Festival had hands-on interactive activities for adults and kids alike, with some participants butchering snowshoe hares and grouse, or making bread and butter. Many shopped at the farm stands and sampled tasty Alaskan dishes demonstrated by local chefs.
This was the first time the AK Food Festival & Conference was held in Fairbanks. The Interior Alaska Food Network took the lead on planning the event and did a fantastic job of engaging their community in event activities and highlighting local Fairbanks farmers, chefs, food products, and food system people. Chefs from the Stone Soup culinary training program prepared a delicious lunch with salmon from the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, barley couscous from Alaska Flour Company, and hubbard squash soup from Dart AM Farms. The Food Policy Networking Event was a great time to mingle to local music and sample locally-made beverages and fresh shucked oysters from Jakalof Bay Oysters.
The AK Food Festival & Conference helps AFPC meet their goal to advocate, connect & inform around Alaska’s food system issues. The wide range of topics and activities brings together a dynamic and diverse crowd. As Liz Hodges-Snyder, co-chair of the AFPC Governing Board, says, “Our state – in terms of money and in terms of human resources – is too small for us not to be working together.”
Many people donated time and resources to make this event a great success! Go to the AFPC 2017 Festival & Conference website page to see the agenda, pictures, presentations, and all the wonderful sponsors, speakers and volunteers!
Robbi Mixon, 2017 Alaska Food Hero
Robbi Mixon has managed the Homer Farmers Market for years, fostering amazing growth due to her knack for recognizing needs and addressing them. Her tenure includes the adoption of the market coin program and SNAP benefits program and other initiatives at the Market that have improved the access to local food as well as the advancement of basic infrastructure at the Market. The Farmers Market Managers Conference this spring was her vision and her hard work and it connected markets from around the state - again fostering a kind of growth that comes from building relationships. She is the coordinator for the new Kenai Peninsula Food Hub, a new and baffling form of market access for producers and a new platform for local food distribution. Juggling the new challenges this platform has presented, she continues to innovate as to how it can be modified to succeed here in Alaska. She has jump-started the Alaska Farmers Market Association with a recent FMPP grant for three years of support and further relationship building and resource sharing. I honestly can't think of another soul in these times of contraction around the state who has done more to expand, on so many levels, the local food system in Alaska. She has indeed had a tremendous impact on Alaska's food system, transformed our community food system, and is making a difference in Alaska's prosperity, health, and self-reliance.
Congratulations, Robbi!
Remembering Ed Bermudez
AFPC is remembering Ed Bermudez of Breadline Stone Soup, who passed away on November 13, 2017. Ed was the Executive Director of Breadline Inc. in Fairbanks. He will be remembered for his passion for building and empowering the Fairbanks community, especially around food security efforts. He had many years of experience helping nonprofits with managing volunteers, engaging supporters and leading staff in creative programs. Ed was with the Alaska community for a short time joining Breadline in the fall of 2016, but certainly made his mark and formed many friendships. He was treasured and loved and will be truly missed by his colleagues, friends and those he committed to providing service
Please join us for the third semi-annual Alaska Food Festival and Conference this November 3rd and 4th in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Vendors and Sponsors can register now to attend the event. This is a great way to get your name in front of Alaska Foodies! It is also a great networking event to connect with others in the industry. Hop on over to our sponsor and vendor pages for more information. Don't delay sign up today!
We are also accepting food donations. If you have any extra winter vegetables or Alaska Made foods, please consider donating! We will highlight your donations in the conference meals.
If you are interested in being a volunteer at the Alaska Food Festival and Conference, we would love your help! Scholarships are available for volunteers!
We are excited to announce our keynote speaker for the Alaska Food Festival and Conference will be Mary Smith, managing editor and founder of Edible Alaska. Edible Alaska is a culinary magazine and online presence dedicated to Alaska's local food movement. Edible Alaska is recipient of the James Beard award that has fostered 87 Edible publications, a PBS television show, and Edible Radio. Mary is a commercial troller our of Sitka and is also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and has spent the past 15 years as a marketing professional in the seafood industry.
Last year, the first Alaska Food Hero recipient went to Kyra Wagner of Honer, Tyonek Tribal Conservation District, and Diane Peck of Anchorage.
The AFPC invites the public to submit nominations for the 2nd Alaska Food Hero award. This award is intended to honor an individual or organization that has made a substantial impact on Alaska's food system. The award will be presented at the Alaska Food Festival and Conference on November 3, 2017.
Nominations should include details about the nominee and how they fulfill the following criteria:
Nominations are due by October 6, 2017 and can be submitted by mail, email, or fax to:
Alaska Food Policy Council
3601 C Street, Ste. 722, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 269-5446 (FAX)
The Food Bank of Alaska is providing several opportunities for community members to be engaged in Hunger Action Month. This is a nationwide initiative to shine a light on the issues of hunger and the people who face hunger. The Food Bank of Alaska have several events you can take part of in the community, as well as community food drives. Take part in their paper plate campaign to share what food means to you or what you can do to end hunger!
AFPC is excited to announce the new infographic that captures the Council's mission to create a healthier, more secure, and more self-reliant Alaska by improving our food system. Thank you to Rising Tide Communications for capturing our mission so beautifully!
MARCH 2-4, 2017 – HOMER, ALASKA
In the fall of 2015 the Homer Farmers Market was awarded a Farmers Market Promotion Program Grant for the project, “Expanding Access and Solidifying Statewide Networks.” A major component of this project was to convene a statewide conference, gathering farmers market organizers from across the state to come together and share resources and information. By doing so, the Homer Farmers Market hoped to more closely link agricultural infrastructure through direct connections and networks, in turn benefiting individual farmers and consumers throughout the state.
On March 2nd, delegates from 18 of Alaska’s 40-something Farmers Markets, from Sitka to Fairbanks, traveled to Homer, Alaska for the first ever Alaska Farmers Market Conference. Just over 50 people participated in the 3-day event and included managers, board members, volunteers, state officials, and many more. Each day was structured around a variety of sessions and special guests. Most sessions were participant driven, with market managers leading the discussions, sharing information, and digging deeper into what our state’s farmers markets needed. Other sessions were led by “experts” in the field, and included topics like Media 101 and DEC Basics. Social events were held in the evenings and helped participants create stronger bonds.
The conference hosted a few very special keynote speakers: Arthur Keyes, Director- Alaska Division of Agriculture, Kathy Zeman, Director- Minnesota Farmers Market Association, and Will O’Donnell, Director- Washington State Farmers Market Association. Each shared stories from their own experiences running farmers market and provided insight and encouragement. Kathy Zeman outlined data collection standards, while Will O’Donnell provided best practices for conflict resolution and social media.
Amy Pettit, Alaska Farmtrust & Alaska Food Policy Council, was on hand for the entire conference. Pettit helped found the Alaska Farmers Market Association 10 years ago. The original vision for the Association was “to support and promote vibrant and sustainable farmers markets throughout Alaska.” AFMA had gone dormant for several years, but by the end of the conference every participant agreed there was a need to restart the Association. Participants had spent the weekend learning from each other’s successes and failures, and identifying what was needed to do as a state collectively to move our farmers markets forward. The Alaska Farmers Market Association is now currently being reformed and they hope to reconvene in the next year or two.
Kenai Local Food Connection is holding it's fifth annualHarvest Moon Local Food Festival, Aug. 23-30, 2017. This year’s theme, “a community that cooks,” will promote locally-grown and wild-harvested food with an array of talks and demonstrations, a farm-to-table dinner, and family-friendly events including cooking workshops, farm tours and wild food walks.
Our keynote speakers are...
Maya Wilson, Alaska From Scratch: Maya is a Nikiski-based local food blogger and food
columnist at Anchorage Dispatch News. Her first cookbook will be published in early
2018. Maya will be speaking on family-friendly cooking that makes the most of locally
grown ingredients. More info at www.alaskafromscratch.com.
Verne Varona: Verne is professional speaker, health educator and author of Nature’s
Cancer Fighting Foods. His talk will focus on the health benefits of whole foods and
home cooking. More info at www.vernevarona.com.
For more information, go to www.kenailocalfood.org or follow Kenai Local Food on Facebook.
Alaska Food Policy Council
PO BOX 173, Homer, AK 99603
info@alaskafoodpolicycouncil.org
TEL (907) 756-3930
