Alaska currently imports 95% of its food from outside sources and is ranked 9th in the nation for food insecurity. Chignik Lagoon, a rural community accessible only by plane or boat, is no stranger to the challenges of food security. When compared to the nearest cities and hubs, food costs in Chignik Lagoon are more than twice as high due to the expense of shipping.
The Chignik Lagoon Local Food Purchase Program will provide consumers with nutrient- and vitamin-rich, minimally processed food. It will also bolster the local economy by providing direct-sale opportunities and revenue to producers. This program will develop sustainable connections between consumers and producers and provide long-term affordable food security through cooperative agreements and bulk purchasing.
Activities to be performed during the life of this program include researching and applying state and federal regulations to the program; development of partnerships and agreements with producers, targeting the socially disadvantaged and underserved; development of program policies and procedures, food delivery schedule and sustainability plan; and research of the most cost effective and efficient air carrier for delivery.
Aside from the two years of food security to the community of Chignik Lagoon and the bolstered agricultural economy, a Sustainability Plan will be created based off lessons learned throughout the life of the Program. The Sustainability Plan will compile the outcomes of the grant and create a plan for continued affordable food security by working within the partnerships created, ordering food cooperatively and in bulk, and cost-sharing the shipping.