Attending

Samantha Castle-Kirstein Fairbanks Community Food Bank
Diane Disanto Alaska Dept. of Health and Social Services
Katrina Grundhal Salvation Army Anchorage
George Hieronymus Rasmuson Foundation
Sherry Hill Catholic Social Services Anchorage
Roy Hiratsuka Bristol Bay Native Assn. Dillingham
Sara Jackson Catholic Social Services St. Francis House Anchorage
Trevor Jones Kodiak Baptist Mission
Peggy Moore Kenai Peninsula Food Bank
Susannah Morgan Food Bank of Alaska
Ellen Northup Southeast Alaska Food Bank
Wendell and Dorrie Otness Fairbanks Rescue Mission
Annabelle Stevens United Way of Anchorage
Mike Walsh Alaska Management Resources Fairbanks
Cindy Weeks Kenai Peninsula Food Bank
Gloria Wisecarver Kenai Peninsula Food Bank Board member

Guest Speakers

Nancy Napolilli Food Safety and Nutrition (teleconferenced), Joel Gilbertson, Commissioner, DHSS/Jim Dahlman, Chief, Program Support Public Assistance/ Karleen Jackson, Deputy Commissioner, DHSS/ Elmer Lindstrom, Legislative Liaison/Angela Salarno, Dept. of Public Assistance/Kathleen Wayne, DOE Child Nutrition/Tony Lombardo DHSS/Tony Warren for Molly Wheeler USDA Project Coordinator/Nancy Rhoady WIC

Nancy Napolilli updated the group regarding pending changes to food pantry regulations that would include less stringent policies around distributing donated wild game and fish. Note: Ralph Seekins is a legislator that has a strong interest in DEC.

Diane introduced Commissioner Gilbertson to the group and he listened as we explained the history and value of the Alaska Food Coalition and our concerns for its sustainability. We talked to him about hunger and food insecurity in the state and Trevor explained the "Halibut Project" to him. Sherry brought up the Human Services Matching Grant and the impact that projected reduction to that funding would have upon the entire state.

Sam requested that the Commissioner support the food coalition in the following ways:

1. Give us access to data the state already collects that would help us identify and address hunger issues more effectively.
2. Make it a part of the deputy commissioner's job description to compile and organize data from the free and reduced school lunch program, TEFAP and CSFP, food stamp utilization, and FEMA stats, for the use of the food coalition.
3. Recognize the importance (particularly to rural programs) of an annual face to face meeting and training opportunity, and support AFC in that endeavor.
4. Support us in our project to salvage Halibut by-catch and distribute it to hungry Alaskans through our food pantries.
5. Recognize that hunger is a legitimate and growing concern in our state and that it is under supported by our state government. We would like to have a "Food Cabinet" that advocates on behalf of this issue.

Trevor gave the Commissioner an update on the "Halibut Project". We had hoped to be able to proceed with the pilot project in March. We have the support of the fishermen and processors are ready to donate services but there is a problem with the federal regulations "prohibited species". This project is so unique that apparently it is going to require that we obtain an experimental fishing permit and that will delay the project to June which is going to present problems for us in holding onto donated services and encumbering the project money we have earmarked for this purpose. We asked the Commissioner for any help that he can lend to move the project along. He was very enthusiastic about it and promised to help in any way that he can.

The Commissioner said that the budget will be in on March 6. He said that the DHSS conducted performance audits and an employee survey seeking ways to restructure the department and save as much money as possible without impacting CORE services. He is hoping that Karleen will be able to take the money that the department ends up with and network with faith-based programs to build partnerships that will continue to meet essential services.

Elmer said that he did not have much to report. There are only ½ the number of bills that would normally be generated by this time. He noted that one important change this year is that a good deal of deference will be given to the opinions of the governor by the legislature.

Deputy Commissioner Karleen Jackson and Director of Public Assistance, Tony Lombardo were introduced to the food coalition. They are both brand new to their positions, but each brings a wealth of experience in the human services sector and both are supportive of the work that we do.

Jim Dahlman gave us some statistical updates on Public Assistance. He said that there has been a 25% increase in food stamp participation in the last 18 months. He gave us a handout of the provisions of the farm bill. He said he would like to get grant money to food programs for food stamp outreach to make sure that people who may now be eligible for food stamps get signed up.

Susannah gave the Treasurer's Report, noting that with four months left of the fiscal year we still have about $60,000 left to spend. If we don't spend what we have, it will weaken our position in asking for funds for next year. If the fish project continues to be tied up and we can't spend the $35,000 on it this fiscal year, what shall we do with that money? Shall we buy second harvest food? Shall we issue a request for mini grant proposals?

This led to more discussion of the Halibut Project. We will apply for the experimental fishing permit and it will probably go through. Trevor wants a two year permit. We will probably get at least one year. Can we keep the processors committed for July? They will be busy at that time so the situation is very different. How do we keep the $35,000 for this purpose? Can we pre-pay? That is probably not a good idea. Can we encumber the money for a specific project? Diane will get a letter of support from the Commissioner and the Governor.

Trevor explained that draggers cannot sell Halibut but long-liners can sell it and are concerned about possible displaced market. They must be convinced that the people who would receive the donated Halibut are not potential buyers.

We need to talk to Mr. Engel, the Chair of the Board of Fisheries. We need to ask the Commissioner to set up a meeting for Trevor with Allen Austerman in the governor's office to get his support. We need to write letters of support to the National Marine Fisheries. There is a Board of Fisheries meeting in Anchorage March 31.

We can obtain the fish headed, gutted, frozen and glazed for free. If we want it filleted it will cost up to $ .44 per lb in winter - $ .50 per lb in summer.

We need more information regarding how we can hang onto the $35,000.

Sam moved that:
A if we can not encumber the $35,000 to spend on the fish project, we spend all remaining funds on food prior to the close of the fiscal year. Or,
B. if we can reserve the $35,000 for fish, we make any remaining funds available for mini grants.

Katrina seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

Sam moved to approve the financial report, Katrina seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

Kathleen Wayne said that she sent a letter out to non-profits in the state asking them to advocate for the school breakfast program and was disappointed in the response or lack of response that she received. She explained the Alaska Team Nutrition Grant.

Tony Warren handed out USDA information and answered questions.

George Hieronymous talked to us about funding opportunities through Rasmuson Foundation. This year they must spend 26-27 million in grants. They do " brick and mortar" type grants. They can fund construction of a facility or buy freezers, equipment, etc. He is begging us to get our proposals in. They cannot fund operations, personnel, program expense. He said that 90% of the proposals that actually make it to George or Helen are funded. He said that some other possible funding sources are Murdock Charitable Trust, Paul Allen Foundation, Hurst Foundations, USDA Rural Development and the Denali Commission.

Ellen commented not to forget MAZON a Jewish response to hunger, who will fund anything but salaries. They require a thank you letter and a newspaper article.

Nancy Rhoady updated us on the WIC program. WIC is coming out of last year's shortfall crisis. It had to cut some of the types and amounts of food, but that has now been restored. The funding formula is not adequate for Alaska. USDA officials visited a northern village and got weathered in. After that experience they had a new appreciation of the difficultly of getting provisions in Alaska. WIC does not provide enough formula to get a baby through the whole month. Many times the price of formula in the store is prohibitive. Breast feeding is strongly encouraged. There is a grant from DOL to train WIC certifiers. There are 49 positions in western Alaska. The only qualification is that the person be at least working on their GED. In Western Alaska, Native Alaskans no longer have to provide proof of income because over 50% of the population lives in poverty. Over 25,000 clients are receiving WIC each month.

Program Reports

Kodiak Baptist Mission - The number of people that they are serving in all aspects of their program (preschool, daycare, summer program and food pantry) continues to increase way beyond anything Trevor imagined when he came on board a few years ago. So far they have been able to keep up with the demand.

St. Francis House - Served 12,916 unduplicated clients in our food pantry during the last fiscal year. This is a 41% increase in the number of clients served over the past five years. The number served for the first six months of the current fiscal year is up 11% over the first six months of last fiscal year. We continue to serve children, the elderly, the less educated, the ill, the disabled, and immigrants. We are pressed to serve more people at a time when public and private support is decreasing.

Catholic Social Services - Sherry Hill gave a brief update on the rebuild and expansion of the Brother Francis Shelter in Anchorage. It has been a long battle, but it is progressing and will result in a much nicer and safer facility for the homeless in Anchorage.

Southeast Alaska Food Bank - Enjoying their new 33,000 ft. donated facility. Operating in the black. Still in need of a walk-in freezer and cooler. They have an energetic new board, a young manager named Tor who is doing a good job, and dedicated volunteers who handle a direct food giveaway in Juneau on Saturday mornings. The food bank serves 28 agencies in SE Alaska. They distribute TEFAP and they pick-up food from all of the groceries in town. They have noticed a big increase in numbers of clients, especially Samoan families. They are serving some very large families. Diane suggests that the food coalition make contact with Loraine (SEA board member) who has influence with Murkowski and get her support.

Salvation Army Anchorage - Feed 14, 500 people a year through their food pantry (50% are children). They provide 15,000 shelter meals. They do not do TEFAP. They try to provide a three day supply of food to families through their pantry. They also provide meals to over 200 frail elderly through the Meals on Wheels program. They are excited because they have recently acquired 3.4 acres of property on which to build a new family shelter which will increase their capacity from 35 beds to 100 beds.

Dillingham - Things are very busy now that Roy is back on the job. We are happy to have him back and looking healthier than ever. His dedication is inspiring to other members of the food coalition. Situation in his area is very bad. The economy is down and prices are up. His shelves are bare. He has a difficult time keeping up with the need and is very thankful for the support of the Food Bank of Alaska. His program served 908 families last year, this year they are already at 407. He serves 16 villages. ¾ of the food he handles is sent out to villages. He wishes he could get more support from his corporation. He enjoys working with teens and community service workers in alcohol recovery. Many of the villages are going back into subsistence ways to try to feed their people.

United Way - They help to fund many of our food programs and Annabelle enjoys coming to these meetings to hear how things are going and put faces with names. She encourages programs to take advantage of Foraker trainings to become more competitive for grant opportunities and maximize program efficiency.

Kenai Peninsula Food Bank - supports 64 agencies on Peninsula, directly distributes emergency food and has a soup kitchen. By all means of calculation, services have increased somewhere between 11-21%. This has resulted in a decrease of food available per person from 13 lbs to 8 lbs. Economy is poor due to Unical and BP layoffs, the closing of KMART, downturn in fishing and tourism. They have a good relationship with all the groceries except one store which has unsafe food handling practices. The soup kitchen provided Easter dinner and Christmas day dinner to 175 people this year. People enjoyed coming together for these events. They have a garden which provides 3,000 # of potatoes and 1,000 # of other types of vegetables to the program each year. They have noted an increase in single adults and elders. They have education programs that address the root causes of poverty and teach skills such as dip netting and field dressing wild game. They worked with a 4H to teach a butchering class and the cooperative extension to provide nutrition classes. They worked with Headstart families on money management and budgeting. They provided 1,500 meals from their soup kitchen. They give out 1,000 emergency food boxes each month and provide TEFAP commodities to 775 families. They assist agencies with 26,000 # of food each month. It appears that agency distribution is down causing the food bank's direct distribution to increase. Peggy is not sure what the cause of that is. Peggy will be leaving her job in April to move to Homer with her husband. She will be sorely missed by the group. She introduced Cindy Weeks (development director) and Gloria Wisecarver (board member) as ongoing contacts for the coalition.

Food Bank of Alaska - Unique from the other programs at the table in that it is a statewide organization and it provides no direct services. It does however support all of the other programs represented by being a wholesale distributor of free (TEFAP) and very low cost product. Last year they distributed 3.5 million #, this year they are at 4 million. They have increased their partner agencies by one dozen urban, faith-based programs and two dozen new rural sites which are run by native village councils, churches or native corporations. FBA has been working with the Denali Commission and Rasmuson foundation to facilitate capacity building for rural sites and is working with nurses in the high schools by providing nutritious snacks like cup of noodles and crackers. FBA has also undergone a lot of changes in personnel over the last year and has been working intensely to upgrade their technologies. They are two years out from being able to offer online ordering to their customers. They are also piloting a data sharing project with the Salvation Army, LSSA, CSS that should be up and running next fall.

Fairbanks Rescue Mission - Shelter and recovery program. They are interested in working with the new faith based initiative. They avoid government funding so that they can retain control over their program. Their recovery program used to be time based and they found people slacking off near completion of their time so they switched to a phase based program and find that works much better. They are selective with their candidates and have an 82-86% recovery rate over 5 years. The first 10 days at the shelter are free, then $5.00 per day for women and $10.00 per day for men. They try to set a limit of 60 days per year. They have seen an increase in people who need assisted living and people who have mental health issues. Their staff is overworked. Last year they served 39,000 meals and provided 27,000 bed nights. Numbers are high. Lots of new faces. May is a big month for women with children.

Fairbanks Community Food Bank - Echo the experience of Kenai, they feel that agencies are delivering fewer direct services and more people are turning directly to them. They work with 100 local vendors. They emphasize community education and provide nutrition, food utilization and budgeting classes. Their TEFAP enrollment has grown. They work with WIC and the EPNET program. In their emergency food box they strive to provide at least 20# of food per person (enough for nine meals). Most days they are able provide 30#. 64% of their clients are Caucasian, 25% AKN. The largest adult age group is 50-60 , next largest group is 20-30, and smallest group 30-40. 21% have lived in Alaska less than one year, 51% have been here 11 or more years. 61% are women. 72% are families. 17% are disabled.

Mike and Diane - led us in strategic planning for the next day's visits on the hill. We compared scheduled visits to ensure that each key legislator would be visited by someone from the food coalition, hopefully one of their own constituents. Mike stressed to us that because we represent non-profit programs and have no money with which to purchase access, our approach must be relationship driven. We must win them over with our sincerity and charm. He cautioned us to tell the truth (if we don't know the answer to a question, admit it, tell them you will research it and get back to them). Know your issue. Be nice even if they are not. Be gracious to staffers, they are important. Keep your presentation 5 - 10 minutes tops.

Election of Officers

Katrina nominated Sara to continue as Secretary, Peggy seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Peggy nominated Susannah to continue as Treasurer, Katrina seconded, passed unanimously. Sam nominated Roy to be Vice President. Roy declined for health reasons and nominated Sam. Sam would like to see broader geographical representation on the executive committee, but accepted the nomination under pressure. Katrina seconded. Passed unanimously. Katrina nominated Trevor to be President, Ellen seconded. Passed unanimously.

There was more discussion about the Halibut Project. Let people know. We need to work on recognition for key players. Seek out awards. Example: Alaska Food Coalition Governor's Award. Need connection with environmental group - environmental award. Publicity in fishing industry magazines. Processors are investing the most. We need to let people know how this is creating jobs by, for and in Alaska. Look for media ops all year long. Trevor will write some articles and share. Need stories of families that are helped by this project. Each of us needs to take initiative on this. Diane asked Trevor to write a letter to the Governor to say we need a representative from the governor's office on the coalition.

Susannah moved to adjourn. Wendall seconded. Passed unanimously.