Melissa Rigas, Food4Kids Program Director for the MatSu Food Bank holding microgreens that Alaska Tilth donated to the local food bank.
Many of us take food for granted, even if it does cost $9 for winter blueberries. But food insecurity is a major issue affecting 12.3% of Mat-Su Valley residents—about 13,070 people. Food insecurity means not having reliable access to affordable, nutritious food, making it difficult to maintain an active, healthy life.
Organizations like the Mat-Su Food Bank, Palmer Food Bank, and Kids Kupboard work to address this issue, but fresh, local vegetables remain in short supply. To meet this need, Alaska Pacific University (APU) created the Tilth Program. Program Coordinator Alex Wilson notes that when fresh vegetables are delivered, they disappear by the end of the day. With 95% of Alaska’s produce imported and only 1 in 10 Americans eating enough fruits and vegetables, the need is critical.
Bins of fresh and local vegetables being weighed before delivery.
Alaska Tilth Program Revitalized
Alaska Tilth was revamped in 2020 by former Spring Creek Farm Manager Ben Swimm and Meg Worthington, a Master of Science Outdoor and Environmental Education (MSOEE) graduate. Funding from the Mat-Su Health Foundation, along with contributions from individual donors through fundraising campaigns like Give-A-Crop and Eat Ugly Veggies, helped launch this program. When the pandemic disrupted food systems and left farmers with large amounts of unsellable produce, Alaska Tilth stepped in, distributing 10,000 pounds of fresh, local produce to those in need.
David Martin from Mat-Su Senior Services shares, “This program is another way that we can get a better product and more joy in their stomachs. Lighten up their day a little bit, make them smile, and keep them healthy. I like that food justice. We live in too many food deserts, where there’s not enough good produce around. I believe 100% that people should have access to these kinds of products.”
Wilson expanded Alaska Tilth’s reach and capabilities when she stepped in as the Program Coordinator in the fall of 2023. In her first year, funding from the Mat-Su Health Foundation arrived late in the season, leaving her in a tough spot—most food producers were already busy and unresponsive to emails. She decided to address this issue in a classic way, by simply showing up and asking around. She says, “I’m happy I had the courage to go up and talk to random farmers face-to-face.”
After visiting farmer’s markets throughout the valley, she secured 16 partnerships with local producers—including vegetable farmers, microgreens, mushrooms, chicken farmers, bakers, and coffee roasters. In addition to these local producers, Alaska Tilth, via the APU Kellogg Campus, connects community resources like UAF Experimental Farm, SNAP Program, the Department of Agriculture’s Plant Material Center, and the Alaska Farmland Trust. By the end of 2024, Alaska Tilth donated over 7,000 lbs to food aid organizations!
Alaska Tilth partner producer Monica Seldovitsch, from Vitali and Monica Seldovitsch Organic Farm.
Melissa Rigas, the Food4Kids Program Director for the MatSu Food Bank shares with a smile that, “When Alex comes in, when the vegetables come in, I’m really happy. I’m genuinely happy because I know my community is getting this, and it’s good stuff!”
Supporting Farmers & Strengthening the Community
“On slow days, it helped move product, but my favorite part is getting quality food to those who need it without hurting the farmer’s bottom line,” says Misti Musgrave of Healing Acre Farm. Zoë Fuller from Stinging Nettle Farm adds, “I appreciate that Tilth was able to get food to places like the Senior Center with consistency. Some of those smaller organizations that could use the veggies sometimes get overlooked. I also really appreciate convenient pickups at the market or the farm.”
Local producers are able to give back to their community, while still meeting their bottom line. By the end of 2024, Alaska Tilth reinvested $40,000 into the local economy!
Building Food Resilience
Beyond donations, Alaska Tilth focuses on food sustainability, educating new growers to reduce Alaska’s dependence on imported food. The APU Kellogg On The Farm Knowledge Exchange Speaker Series supports this effort with talks given throughout the summer and fall. Some presentations presented last year include fermentation, soil health, and local medicinal plants. Wilson emphasizes, “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the enormous need for locally grown, culturally relevant food.”
APU students during a visit to the Kellogg Campus for an educational tour. They stand in front of a land acknowledgment mural created by artist Melissa Shaginoff.
Looking Ahead
Tilth aims to expand beyond Palmer and Wasilla to areas like Willow and Glacier View. Up until now, Alaska Tilth’s reach has largely remained within the Palmer-Wasilla area due to time and resource restraints. To keep growing, the program seeks diverse donors. If you’d like to help combat hunger, contact APU’s Kellogg Campus Director Kelly Marciales at kmarciales@alaskapacific.edu.
Wilson says, “It’s fun being a bringer of joy.” If you’d like to bring some joy as well, please donate!
With 95% of Alaska’s food purchased from out of state at an annual cost of $1.9 billion, supporting Tilth helps train new farmers, promote local eating, and create jobs—all while strengthening Alaska’s agricultural heritage. Every dollar donated goes directly to food production and distribution, making a lasting impact on food security in our communities.
