Valley food pantries prepare for a challenging time of year for families who depend on food assistance.
Palmer Food Bank Executive Director Jennifer Brandt and Upper Susitna Food Pantry Executive Director LouAnne Carroll-Tysdal discussed how their organizations are responding to the growing need for food on Big Cabbage Radio last week.
The Palmer Food Bank serves communities throughout the Mat-Su Borough. Executive Director Brandt says the organization works to provide as much fresh food as possible. They purchase items from local sources when available and supplement with food purchased from stores such as Walmart and Costco. Most of the funds to purchase food come from community donations. Grants provide support for specific programs.
A grant from the Mat-Su Health Foundation funds a new food delivery program for seniors in Palmer. The pilot will serve about 30 homebound seniors in the Palmer area. The seniors receive boxes of fresh food. The program takes into account dietary restrictions and food sensitivities of the seniors. Brandt hopes to expand the service if the pilot is successful and additional funding becomes available.
The Palmer Food Bank moved into its new 5,300 square foot facility at South Denali and East Arctic Streets this year. The large building makes distribution easier. Clients can come inside, wait comfortably, and select their own groceries.
The Upper Susitna Food Pantry In Talkeetna also serves communities throughout the Mat-Su. Executive Director Carroll-Tysdal says that families visit twice a month. The pantry also has programs for seniors and children.
The pantry delivers food twice a month to about 80 senior households. It also supports senior lunches, restaurant vouchers, and federal senior food boxes. Children’s programs include supplemental food bags and weekend food bags for schoolchildren. A high school food pantry also operates during the school year.
Both organizations say demand for food has increased in recent years. Carroll-Tysdal says rising food and fuel costs, along with delays in federal assistance programs, have put additional pressure on families. She says the number of families using the Upper Susitna pantry has grown from about 40 to about 120.
Brandt reports that usage at Palmer Food Bank in August almost doubled in a year. She says they are seeing people who have never used a food pantry before as well as more unhoused residents.
The two organizations work together through the Mat-Su Food Coalition. They share information, resources, and ideas about how best to meet the needs of Valley residents. Carroll-Tysdal emphasized that food pantries do not simply receive federal money to purchase food. Much of the food is purchased through donations, grants, and fundraising efforts.
Both directors emphasized that community support is critical. Brandt says no donation is too small. Even a single can of food can make a difference. Carroll-Tysdal added that volunteers are the backbone of food pantries throughout the Valley. Even a few hours of volunteer time each week can help.
The Palmer Food Bank can be reached at PalmerFoodBank.org. The Upper Susitna Food Pantry can be reached at UpperSusitnaFoodPantry.org.
The conversation with Brandt and Carroll-Tysdal can be found on bigcabbageradio.org. Go to Podcasts, then select Valley Edition.
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Mike Chmielewski reported this Page Two article and yours truly, Lee Henrikson produced it. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Monday October 5, 2026.
Image credit: Upper Susitna Food Pantry