Fred Becker sees the growing food insecurity in the Mat-Su Valley. He is the executive director of the Mat-Su Food Bank. He is figuring ways for the food bank to respond.
Becker has led the food bank for the past two years. He had a long career in the private sector before this. He received the Mat-Su Health Foundation Burt Hall Award this year. The recognition came as a surprise to him. He says it belongs just as much to the staff, volunteers, and community partners who work together every day to help local families.
The Mat-Su Food Bank focuses on more than handing out food, Becker says. It expanded its mission to include building long-term food security. Along with providing groceries, the food bank offers educational programs that teach families practical skills. These include how to build a home pantry, buy food in bulk, preserve food safely, and prepare healthy meals that stretch a family’s food budget.
The food bank is located between Palmer and Wasilla. It works with about 30 partner organizations throughout the Valley. The partners include local food pantries, children’s programs, tribal organizations, and other nonprofits. The Mat-Su Food Bank operates the Betty White Food Pantry for direct food distribution and the Food for Kids program. This program helps children during the summer when school meals aren’t available. The food bank serves communities across the Mat-Su Borough. It has assisted neighboring regions during times of need.
Becker says community support makes everything possible. Funding comes from grants, local donations, and longtime partners like the Mat-Su Health Foundation. He says the greatest strength of the organization is its volunteers. Some have volunteered week after week for more than 25 years. They sort food, stock shelves, and welcome neighbors with dignity and respect.
Demand for food continues to increase, says Becker. This is especially true for working and military families. They are struggling with higher food prices and rising living costs. The food bank has expanded its hours to better serve these residents. It is now open on selected Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. Many of the people using those hours are first-time visitors.
Looking ahead, Becker says the food bank hopes to expand to a larger facility. This would allow it to store more emergency food supplies and improve disaster preparedness. He notes that the Valley could become isolated if highways close or other emergencies occur. This makes local food reserves important.
The food bank is also working toward zero food waste. Surplus food from grocery stores and other community partners is carefully sorted by volunteers. Usable food goes to families in need. Anything that can’t be consumed is composted through a partnership with the Knik Tribe to create healthy soil instead of filling local landfills.
Fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs, bread, and protein are the items that families need most. These items help stretch grocery budgets while providing nutritious meals.
Becker has a challenge for everyone in the community. If you have the time, volunteer. If you’re able, donate. And if you see a neighbor in need, lend a hand. As he put it, strong communities are built when neighbors help neighbors.
This article is based on the interview with Fred Becker on July 31. Listen to the interview on bigcabbageradio.org in Valley Edition under podcasts. See matsufoodbank.org for more information.
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That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Monday August 3, 2026.
Image from matsufoodbank.org