The Arctic Food Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to nutritious, shelf-stable foods in Arctic communities. Using commercial freeze-drying technology, we produce lightweight, long-lasting staple foods that are easier and more affordable to transport to remote regions while supporting—not replacing—traditional Indigenous food systems.

The Arctic Food Project began with a simple observation: we wanted to help solve a problem we've experienced ourselves. As Alaskans, we've seen firsthand how quickly weather, transportation delays, and supply chain disruptions can affect access to everyday groceries. Even in one of Alaska's more populated communities, a delayed shipment can leave store shelves empty or limit access to fresh, nutritious food. That experience led us to ask an important question: If these challenges affect us here, what is life like for families living in Alaska's most remote communities—where transportation options are even more limited and delays can have an even greater impact? The Arctic Food Project was created to help address that challenge by providing nutritious, shelf-stable foods that are lightweight, long-lasting, and easier to transport. Our goal is to support Arctic communities by improving food access while honoring the traditions, resilience, and self-sufficiency that make these communities so remarkable.

Absolutely not. Subsistence hunting, fishing, berry picking, and gathering are central to Arctic life and culture. Our goal is to supplement those traditional foods with nutritious staple ingredients that may be difficult or expensive to obtain year-round. We believe healthy communities are built by strengthening existing traditions—not replacing them.

Freeze-drying is one of the most effective ways to preserve food for long-term storage while dramatically reducing its weight and volume. By removing nearly all of the moisture, freeze-dried foods become shelf-stable for years without refrigeration, helping lower transportation costs and reduce spoilage in communities where weather and logistics can delay deliveries. Freeze-dried foods are: Lightweight, reducing shipping costs Shelf-stable for years Easy to store without refrigeration Quick to prepare Helpful for reducing food waste This approach also aligns with recommendations from the Alaska Food Strategy Task Force's report to the Governor, which identifies improved food preservation, expanded storage capacity, reduced food waste, and more resilient food distribution systems as essential components of strengthening Alaska's food security. The Arctic Food Project was designed with those same goals in mind—helping nutritious foods travel farther, last longer, and reach remote communities more efficiently.

Our initial product lineup focuses on four foundational food groups that provide versatile, nutritious ingredients for a wide variety of meals: Protein: Freeze-dried eggs Carbohydrates: Freeze-dried potatoes Vegetables: Freeze-dried mixed vegetables Fruit: Freeze-dried strawberries These foods were intentionally selected because they are nutrient-dense, easy to prepare, familiar to many families, and well suited for freeze-drying. They also complement traditional subsistence foods rather than replacing them. As The Arctic Food Project grows, we hope to expand our offerings based on community feedback, nutritional needs, and partnerships while continuing to provide a balanced selection of protein, vegetables, fruits, and carbohydrates.

Whenever possible, we are committed to keeping Alaska dollars in Alaska by sourcing ingredients from Alaska farmers, producers, and businesses. Supporting local agriculture helps strengthen our state's economy while reducing transportation costs and building a more resilient food system. When local sourcing isn't feasible, we will seek high-quality ingredients from trusted suppliers that meet our standards for nutrition, safety, and value. As opportunities arise, we also hope to partner with farms, grocery stores, and food distributors to rescue wholesome surplus food that might otherwise go to waste. By combining local sourcing, strategic partnerships, and food rescue efforts, we can maximize the impact of every donor dollar while providing nutritious foods to Arctic communities.

When properly freeze-dried and packaged in airtight, moisture-proof containers with oxygen absorbers, many foods can remain shelf-stable for 20–25 years while maintaining their quality. This exceptional shelf life makes freeze-dried foods ideal not only for everyday nutrition, but also for emergency preparedness, seasonal supply disruptions, and remote communities where transportation can be unpredictable. By extending the usable life of food, freeze-drying also helps reduce waste and ensures nutritious foods are available when they're needed most.

We work collaboratively with tribal organizations, local leaders, and community partners to identify where our programs can have the greatest impact. Community relationships come first. We believe solutions should be developed with communities—not for them.

Our focus is, and always will be, Alaska. This is our home. It's where we live, work, and raise our families. We believe in taking care of our own neighbors first and building a strong foundation here before looking beyond our borders. While many Arctic communities around the world face similar food security challenges, our mission is to build a sustainable, lasting impact here in Alaska. If that work someday provides a model that can benefit others, we'll be grateful for the opportunity. Until then, our heart—and our focus—remain firmly rooted in Alaska.

There are many ways to support our mission: Make a financial contribution Sponsor equipment or food production Shop for things off our Amazon Wishlist Introduce us to potential partners Volunteer your time Share our mission with others Connect us with grant opportunities Every contribution helps bring nutritious food closer to Arctic families.

We welcome partnerships with businesses, foundations, transportation companies, food producers, equipment manufacturers, and community organizations. Whether through sponsorships, product donations, matching gifts, or volunteer engagement, we believe collaboration creates lasting impact. Contact us for more information.

We believe successful programs are built on trust and collaboration. If your organization is interested in exploring a partnership, we'd love to start a conversation about how we can support your community's goals while honoring local traditions and priorities.

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