Hunger touches too many Alaskans, including children and families in our own neighborhoods. Nearly 12 percent of Alaska residents face food insecurity, and one in six children may go to bed unsure of their next meal. Across the United States, over 47 million people, including nearly 14 million children, live in food-insecure households. These numbers are more than statistics. They are our neighbors, friends, and community members who need our support.
At Catholic Social Services, we approach hunger through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. Our faith calls us to uphold the dignity of every person, to walk alongside those in need, and to prioritize the most vulnerable. Fighting hunger is a way to live that faith in action.
Locally, our programs make a tangible difference. In 2025, Fresh International Gardens and Grow North Farm supplied St. Francis House Food Pantry with over 4,000 pounds of fresh vegetables, ensuring families have access to nutritious meals. Altogether, St. Francis House Food Pantry served 4,775 households and distributed more than 701,000 pounds of food, with children making up over 31 percent of those served and seniors accounting for more than 9 percent. Volunteers, staff, and donors—our “heroes of hunger”—work tirelessly to make sure every pantry visit provides not only food but also hope and dignity. Each meal served, donation received, and hour volunteered strengthens our community and affirms the worth of every individual.
Hunger Action Month is your invitation to get involved. You can donate food or fresh produce to St. Francis House Food Pantry, host a donation drive at your workplace, church, or community group, or share information about Hunger Action Month with your friends and neighbors. Every action, large or small, contributes to a stronger and more caring Alaska.
As we reflect this September, let us remember that fighting hunger is more than filling plates. It is about living our faith through service, affirming human dignity, and creating hope where it is needed most. Together, we can make sure that no Alaskan has to face hunger alone, and we can build a community where compassion and care are at the center of every table.