Best Grants for Food Pantries in Alaska

Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation

The Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation goes beyond food aid to create lasting change. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships and volunteer action, Stop Hunger tackles the root causes of food insecurity.

In 2025, Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation and the Hunger Center awarded grants to 131 programs representing 118 communities in 37 states plus the District of Columbia. Collectively, these programs provided an estimated 22,000 backpacks full of shelf-stable food items for students to take home for the weekend or holidays when school meals are not served.

Since 2006, the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation has been a driving force behind weekend and holiday hunger relief for students across the U.S. Through support of food backpack programs, the Foundation partners with local food banks and schools to discreetly provide K-12 students with backpacks filled with nutritious, shelf-stable meals. These backpacks are distributed in safe, familiar settings – typically on the last school day before a weekend or school break – ensuring that all children who rely on free or reduced-price school meals don’t go hungry when school is out.

K-12 Backpack Grant

The K-12 Backpack Grant is an initiative launched by the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation and administered in partnership with the Congressional Hunger Center to support community backpack programs. Grants of $1,000 will be issued to community organizations with established backpack feeding programs that provide students with shelf-stable, nutritious meals when school is out of session.

Joseph G Markoly Foundation Inc

When Joseph Markoly originally established the foundation more than thirty years ago, its focus was on Alzheimer’s and heart disease support, funded through a number of the larger national disease-related organizations. Over time the focus has shifted to helping small to mid-size organizations in our local communities which support children and seniors in a variety of effective ways. 

Markoly Foundation was established in honor of Joseph G. Markoly, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who wanted to make a positive impact in people’s lives. Joseph’s family was affected directly by both Alzheimer’s and heart disease having lost a family member to each condition. For that reason, the foundation dedicates a majority of their resources to providing grants to organizations that focus on the treatment of each of these diseases. In addition, Markoly Foundation supports a variety of programs dedicated to helping children and seniors by providing services, supplies, programs and research in areas impacting these demographics.

Joseph G. Markoly Foundation Grant Support for Elder Organizations

The Markoly Foundation takes pride in supporting local organizations that provide services for elders in our community. Seniors face a number of challenges that come with aging, especially when they don’t have loved ones who are able to assist them with their needs. We provide grants for a variety of senior-related programs from Caregiver Education and Support to Emergency Meal Delivery and Transportation Services.

We are dedicated to providing funding for local nonprofit programs that improve the quality of life for all, but particularly for the children and elders in our community.

Alaska food delivery and distribution services, youth programs, and family-serving nonprofits can access funding through Save Mart Cares to strengthen community food access and support children and families. Community-based, non-profit organizations may request US $500 - US $10,000, with special quarterly cycles including a Feeding Forward round for retail food recovery infrastructure needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running food delivery and distribution or food security programs in Alaska can apply for Islamic Relief Usa’s Summer Food Service Program (SUN) 2026 funding. Grants support starting or expanding USDA-approved summer meal sites or sponsorships, with most funds going to direct services for food-insecure children in the U.S.

Food pantries and other 501(c)(3) organizations in Alaska focused on food delivery and distribution can access funding through Islamic Relief USA’s Turkey Distribution 2026 program. Grants support U.S.-based food security, refugee services, free clinics, and community development, with at least 85% of funds going to direct services and up to 15% for administration.

Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofits, religious organizations, and public schools that distribute food to people in need can receive ongoing donations of unsold baked goods through the Day-End Dough-Nation program. Panera Bread Foundation partners with food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and similar services nationwide that can commit to weekly pickup and distribution.

Alaska food retailers and food enterprises seeking to expand healthy food access in underserved areas can apply for planning or implementation support, with awards from US $20,000 - US $250,000. Grants from Reinvestment Fund help U.S. organizations improve food access, strengthen food delivery and distribution, and build resilient, job-creating food retail in low-income communities.

Food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters that are registered nonprofits and operate food delivery and distribution services can apply for UNICO Foundation’s Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant. Focused on feeding the hungry and providing shelter, this funding may benefit Alaska organizations that meet the multi-state domicile requirement and serve low-income or vulnerable people in the U.S.

Nonprofit organizations in Alaska providing food pantries, food distribution, or related hunger relief can apply for Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation’s Fighting Hunger Grants, with awards up to US $10,000 per program. Funding supports direct food assistance, food rescue, and nutrition education, and may benefit food pantries serving children, families, and seniors.

Whole Kids Foundation provides Alaska school districts with support to shift cafeteria programs from processed foods to scratch-cooked, whole-food meals. Districts in the National School Lunch Program with self-operated food services receive multi-year training, on-site assessment, strategic planning, peer collaboration, and access to a technical/equipment assistance grant valued up to US $250,000.

Eligible 501(c)(3)s, government entities, tribes, schools, and religious institutions in Alaska’s Arctic Slope communities can apply for Arctic Slope Community Foundation grants to support food security, education, and Inupiaq arts, culture, and language. Food pantries and food distribution programs may be eligible if they address local food security needs and have community leader support.

Alaska food delivery and distribution nonprofits, especially wildlife conservation organizations, can access funding through the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation to tell powerful stories about their community impact. This storytelling grant supports 501(c)(3) and aligned for-profit organizations working within the foundation’s preservation, education, or wellness pillars, with awards of more than US $50,000 for impact-focused media and communications projects.

Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating food pantries or other food delivery and distribution services can seek support for hunger relief, shelter, and adult self-sufficiency programs. Focused on meeting basic needs and community vitality, Ameriprise Financial prioritizes U.S. organizations that engage its employees and advisors as active volunteers.

U.S. 501(c)(3) public charities working in health, education, or housing, including Alaska food distribution and nutrition programs, may be eligible for support for their programs. FDC Foundation funds improved nutrition, diabetes treatment, alternative medicine, early childhood development, returning scholars, literary achievement, and housing and homeownership initiatives that align with its mission.

Nonprofit organizations in Alaska operating established therapeutic garden programs can apply for National Garden Bureau’s Therapeutic Garden Grants, offering US $1,000 - US $3,000 to expand or sustain their work. Eligible applicants include food pantries and other 501(c) organizations using gardening for rehabilitation, life skills, socialization, or improved quality of life.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering education-focused or community-based services, including food pantries and shelters, in Alaska may be eligible for grants supporting new or expanded programs. Focused on education and related community initiatives, the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust provides US $5,000 - US $20,000, typically as one-time, short-term, or matching support.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Gupta Family Foundation provides Alaska human and social service nonprofits with US $5,000 - US $250,000 to help disadvantaged people become more self-reliant. Smaller 501(c)(3) organizations, or qualifying foreign entities, working in areas like poverty, disability, or humanitarian relief may be eligible, including food distribution programs that meet the foundation’s mission and criteria.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Little Giraffe Foundation, a national non-profit based in Chicago, provides NICU Support Grants ranging from $100 to $1,000. Since 2011, they have positively impacted countless families by delivering over 32,000 gift bags and funding essential research. These grants aim to enhance the experience for parents and patients in neonatal intensive care units, supporting initiatives like holiday gift bags and resources for bonding with babies. Applications are welcomed from eligible U.S.-based institutions.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.