Feeding Alaska’s Future: Back-to-School the Local Way

Across Alaska, classrooms are filling up, school buses are back on the road, and cafeterias are gearing up for another year of feeding students. For many districts—especially in rural areas—getting fresh, healthy, local food on the menu all year long is no small task. That’s where Alaska Food Co. comes in.

Keeping Local on the Menu
In most parts of the country, “farm-to-school” means farmers drop off fresh produce weekly. In Alaska, that model isn’t always possible. Short growing seasons, long distances, and unpredictable weather can make fresh deliveries difficult once the snow starts falling.

Our solution? Preserve August’s abundance through freeze-drying, so local potatoes, carrots, and berries can be part of school meals in January, March, and even May. The taste, texture, and nutrients stay locked in—so kids get the benefits of Alaska-grown food year-round.

Why It Matters for Students
Serving local food isn’t just about supporting farmers—it’s about building healthier communities. Kids who eat nutritious, locally grown food are more likely to have better focus, more energy,
and a stronger connection to where their food comes from. Plus, every local purchase keeps dollars in our state’s economy.

Partnerships in Action
This month, we’re working with farmers across the state to preserve crops that will go directly into school lunch programs. We’re also coordinating with food service directors to make sure the products we freeze-dry fit seamlessly into their menus—whether that’s diced potatoes for soups, carrot coins for side dishes, or berries for parfaits.

A Win for Schools, Farmers, and Communities
By bridging the gap between harvest season and the school calendar, we make it possible for institutions to serve local food without worrying about spoilage, last-minute shipments, or
out-of-state substitutions. Farmers get a reliable market for their crops, schools get consistent supply, and students get high-quality, nutrient-packed meals.

As we move into another school year, Alaska Food Co. is proud to help connect the dots between our farms and our classrooms. Together, we’re not just feeding students—we’re feeding Alaska’s future.