In Alaska, growing old comes with unique challenges—long winters, high costs of living, and vast geographic distances from essential resources. But one of the most overlooked struggles facing older adults in our state is hunger.
According to Feeding America’s 2024 Map the Meal Gap report, an estimated 11,566 Alaskans aged 60 and older are food insecure. That means thousands of our elders, many of whom built the communities we live in today, are quietly going without enough food.
And the situation is only becoming more urgent.
The Cost of Aging in Alaska
Life in Alaska is expensive, but for older adults living on fixed incomes, it can be devastating. According to the Alaska Commission on Aging’s 2024 Senior Snapshot, the average monthly Social Security income for a senior in Alaska is $1,837. That doesn’t come close to covering the $4,527 monthly cost of living estimated for older adults in our state.
Roughly 8% of Alaska’s seniors live below the poverty line (March 2025 Alaska Economic Trends). But even those above that line are often just one medical bill or heating payment away from a food crisis.
Barriers to Nutrition
Many seniors in Alaska face significant barriers to accessing food, even when programs are available:
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Mobility limitations or chronic health conditions make it difficult to shop, cook, or stand in long lines.
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Limited transportation options leave rural and low-income seniors isolated from grocery stores and food distribution sites.
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Technology can be a barrier, making it hard to apply for SNAP or find help online.
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Weather and safety concerns (especially in winter) keep many from leaving home.
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Social isolation can reduce motivation to seek support or prepare nutritious meals.
Services That Help
Food Bank of Alaska offers several programs to help meet the nutritional needs of our older neighbors:
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CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program): Known as our monthly senior food box program, CSFP provides shelf-stable groceries and essentials to income-eligible seniors across the state. Since the pandemic, we’ve seen a 7–10% increase in sign-ups.
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SNAP Outreach: We assist seniors in applying for SNAP (formerly known as food stamps), offering personalized help to navigate the application process.
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Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program: Eligible seniors receive $40 per year to purchase fresh produce from authorized Alaska farmers. This not only supports nutrition but also strengthens local agriculture.
What These Boxes Really Mean
While a monthly food box may sound small, the impact is anything but.
“Without this box, many seniors would go hungry. This saves money so I can buy other foods to supplement my diet.”
— CSFP recipient, Kenai Peninsula Food Bank
“I appreciate my food box so much! It’s always a fun adventure to open it each month. I’ve tried new foods and recipes, like plums in yogurt!”
— CSFP recipient, Wasilla Area Seniors
“This is a necessary program of nutrition for all who receive it. It’s imperative to keep this.”
— Anchorage senior
These boxes are more than just food. They’re relief, stability, and sometimes even joy. They help seniors stretch their budgets, reduce stress, and stay healthier longer. They are, as one recipient put it, “a vital program” and “a much-needed service.”
How You Can Help
No one should age into hunger. Not in Alaska. Not anywhere.
By supporting Food Bank of Alaska, you help connect older adults with the nutrition they need to remain healthy, independent, and respected.
