Mobile Food Pantry Brings Food to the People

The Upper Susitna Food Pantry is now mobile three days each month. Residents will be eligible for the mobile pantry in Talkeetna, Trapper Creek, and Caswell Lakes in addition to their regular monthly pick-up.

Upper Susitna Food Pantry Executive Director LouAnne Carroll-Tysdal received grant funding through a program from Feeding America. The funds are administered through the Food Bank of Alaska. She says the funds help pay for staff and other resources, but do not pay for the food. The program is funded for one year, with an option for a second year. Carroll-Tysdal says the Pantry is grateful to both organizations to help expand services for folks in need. 

At the Trapper Creek Community Park, Vickey and Derek McDonald were helping residents bag their groceries. They explained that each family may be able to get multiples of one item, depending on the number of family members. They also say that the food varies each month, depending on what is available at the Food Bank and other sources.

Fresh produce like lettuce, tomatoes, and potatoes lined the tables, along with canned salmon, boxed milk, and other staples. Food will be pre-packed from November through April to avoid freezing, but the service will still be available. 

The mobile pantry began in May in Talkeetna and June in Trapper Creek and Caswell Lakes. So far 12 to 26 families are served at each location. That might increase as more people learn about it. 

The next mobile pantry dates are in August. More information is available on the Upper Susitna Food Pantry website.