It Takes a Valley
Contributed by Mallory Saltamacchio, Kids Kupboard
Mila was a vibrant five-year-old, perched happily on the back of a grocery cart as her mom slowly pushed it up and down the aisles. From Mila’s view, the store was full of colorful boxes, fresh fruit, and foods that looked delicious. From her mom’s view, it was overwhelming.
They had recently left an unsafe home situation—hard enough on its own—and for the first time, it was just the two of them. As Mila reached for items she recognized from commercials or school lunches, her mom gently said no, again and again. Mila didn’t understand why. She was hungry. She was frustrated. And she didn’t know why her mom’s eyes kept filling with tears.
Mila didn’t know how expensive food had become, or that groceries cost even more here in Alaska. She didn’t understand how hunger affects focus, behavior, and learning at school. She didn’t know that the cheapest foods are often the most processed, offering full bellies but little nourishment for growing bodies and minds. But her mom knew all of this. Every grocery trip filled her with anxiety as she weighed impossible choices: heat or groceries, rent or fresh food, survival now versus her child’s long-term health and success.
As heartbreaking as this scene is, it is far from rare. Mila is not alone. Many children across the Mat-Su Valley face food insecurity every day—quietly, invisibly, and often with parents doing everything they can to shield them from the worry.
Thankfully, Mila’s mom chose to lean on community support. She set aside embarrassment, shame, and pride and reached out to programs like Kids Kupboard, recognizing what so many families eventually learn: sometimes, everyone needs a little help.
Fast forward ten years.
Today, Mila is a thriving teenager. She is a member of the National Honor Society, active in FFA, and a dedicated volunteer with Kids Kupboard. Because of the nourishment she received during an uncertain chapter of her life, she was able to focus in school, stay healthy, and build confidence. She could have fallen behind academically, struggled with health issues, or withdrawn socially—outcomes that too often accompany childhood hunger. Instead, she is excelling.
Mila now proudly shares Kids Kupboard’s mission through FFA, talking about the importance of quality food staying within the community. She volunteers to prepare meals for her peers, understanding firsthand how powerful that support can be. She is not ashamed of needing help. Instead, she encourages others to step forward and let the community walk alongside them for a season.
At Kids Kupboard, we are deeply grateful for a community that believes in feeding the success of Alaska’s children. With a staff of just four, it truly takes all of us—neighbors, volunteers, donors, and partners—to keep pantries stocked, meals prepared and delivered, and the lights and heat on.
Stories like Mila’s are possible because this community shows up, and they are urgently needed. Nearly 50% of the Mat-Su Valley experiences food insecurity. The need is real—but so is the solution.
The program works. Every donation matters—whether it’s time, money, or food. With your support, we can continue turning moments of crisis into stories of resilience, success, and hope. Together, we can ensure that help is there for every child who needs it.
Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy and dignity of the families we serve.