As published in the North Star Catholic:
During Lent, Catholics all over the world practice self-sacrifice to help us meditate on all that we’ve been blessed with. This Lenten season, we also reflect on those who must go without not just for a few weeks, but all year long.
In Alaska, 1 in 8 adults and 1 in 6 children face hunger daily. Since 1962, St. Francis House Food Pantry has worked to meet this need and remains committed to providing food security to our community. In fiscal year 2024 alone, the pantry provided essential food to 4,659 households, with over one-third accessing services for the first time. These numbers highlight the growing need in our community.
Faced with these rising needs in our community, we are asking for your help in our 40 Days of Lent Food Drive. This annual initiative offers an opportunity to share our abundance with neighbors experiencing food insecurity during this season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
Rising costs of groceries and living expenses across the state are making it harder for families to afford necessities. Between 2022 and 2024, St. Francis House saw a 19.5% increase in the number of households served, and we now know that 10% of our senior population relies on monthly food deliveries to make ends meet on fixed incomes. For many, rising prices force tough decisions between food, utilities, heat, childcare, and other essentials.
The Lenten Food Drive aims to address this need by collecting 40 pounds of food for each of the 40 days of Lent, from March 5th to April 17th. Donations will be distributed through St. Francis House to hundreds of local families, helping to alleviate hunger and provide hope.
Each item donated becomes a story of compassion. It reflects the generosity of community members who choose to give, the dedication of volunteers who distribute food to over 13,000 people annually, and the resilience of those receiving assistance. From a mother preparing a warm meal for her children to a refugee receiving culturally appropriate food, every donation makes a difference.
At Catholic Social Services, we know that every contribution makes a meaningful difference for a neighbor in need. To help share that impact, during the food drive we will weigh and track every donated item and share the progress toward our goal on social media and in your parish announcements.
As John 10:10 reminds us, “I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Through the 40 Days of Lent Food Drive, we embody these words by supporting our neighbors and strengthening our community. This Lenten season, let’s come together to make a lasting impact on those facing food insecurity, transforming this sacred time into a journey of compassion and service.
Participating parishes will have food collection bins on-site throughout Lent. Individuals and groups at non-participating locations can host a food drive or donate directly at St. Francis House Food Pantry (3710 E 20th Street, Anchorage, AK 99508). Donations are accepted Monday to Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you or your group would like to participate, please contact Kelly Mullin at kmullin@cssalaska.org. By notifying us of your involvement, we can track contributions and celebrate the positive impact we are making together.