During a recent government meeting, Mayor Peter A. Michiqui proclaimed September 2024 as Hunger Action Month in the Kenai Peninsula Borough, highlighting the urgent issue of food insecurity affecting many residents. The proclamation comes in response to the alarming statistic that over 44 million Americans, including nearly 100,000 Alaskans, struggle to secure their next meal. Among these, approximately 30,110 are children facing food insecurity.

The mayor emphasized the critical role of the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank, which serves over 22,100 individuals annually, and noted that more than 19% of children in the borough are affected by hunger. The proclamation aims to raise awareness about the importance of food banks and the need for increased resources to combat hunger.

In 2023, the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank, in collaboration with over 45 nonprofit organizations, distributed more than 1.2 million pounds of food through various community channels, including food pantries and shelters. The food bank also provided over 45,100 senior boxes and served more than 22,000 meals on-site through remote distribution.

Mayor Michiqui encouraged local citizens and businesses to support the food bank's efforts during Hunger Action Month and throughout the year, acknowledging the community's strong backing for the food bank's initiatives, especially in light of challenges posed by the pandemic and recent SNAP issues. The proclamation serves as a call to action for the community to unite in the fight against hunger.