Impacts from the federal government shutdown and other specific actions such as the loss of SNAP benefits are being felt not only by local community members, but organizations that serve them.

The Homer Community Food Pantry has striven to meet “the most fundamental needs” of residents in the lower Kenai Peninsula since 1991, providing food and resources to community members weekly and partnering with other local nonprofits and businesses to facilitate their community free fridge, support for students in school and holiday donations. In the face of rising costs and uncertainty in continued provision from longtime federal programs, HCFP is working harder to fulfill increased community need and, in turn, needs community support more than ever.

Almost entirely volunteer-based, the Homer food pantry distributes food to community members weekly on Mondays from noon to 3 p.m. According to food pantry board member Deb Schmidt, over 170 families went through the line this week — “a new record for us,” she said Tuesday.

“We had over 10 new families sign up yesterday. We also had some who haven’t been by in some time show up again yesterday,” she said. “They’re definitely feeling the hit.”

Food pantry volunteers also cook meals twice a week to stock in the community free fridge, located at the Homer United Methodist Church. In the last month alone, Schmidt said that the pantry provided over 500 dinners and 1,300 sandwiches, soups and desserts through the free fridge.

“The fridge empties out every single day,” she said.

Schmidt said that the pantry spends approximately $15,000 a month and over $180,000 a year to keep the pantry’s operations going. Food and monetary donations, as well as partnerships with local nonprofits such as the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank, are vital to help mitigate costs.

Some regularly-expected donation opportunities fell through this year, however, due to the state of the federal government. The Haunted Aspen, an annual Halloween event hosted by the U.S. Coast Guard cutter homeported in Homer, was canceled this year because of the shutdown. Attendees typically pay the entry fee with canned goods which are donated directly to the pantry. Schmidt said that the Haunted Aspen cancellation represented a donation loss of 800-1,000 cans of food.

While there is a greater need, the community is also stepping forward in big ways to fill it. Schmidt named several local businesses, restaurants and nonprofits that continue to donate food and supplies to the pantry for their various programs, and noted that HCFP also receives assistance from a number of private donors who purchase staple goods such as eggs, meat and butter to give to the pantry.

“Pretty much everyone is stepping forward right now,” she said. “More people are coming to us, wanting to have events where donations go directly to the pantry. It’s really beautiful.”

HCFP will host their annual Empty Bowl fundraiser on Friday, Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Homer United Methodist Church. Local potters donate bowls each year for this event, and local restaurants and community members donate soups, breads and desserts. Attendees can buy soup, bread and dessert for $15, or they can buy lunch and an artisan bowl for $50. Credit cards, cash and Venmo will all be accepted.

“The Empty Bowl fundraiser is our biggest monetary fundraiser,” Schmidt said. “We’re hoping that does well this year.”

Also on Friday, from 5-7 p.m., Duncan House will host a burger night fundraiser. Operating on a donation-only basis, attendees can pay as much or as little as they can afford for a burger, fries and drink for either dine-in or take-out. All proceeds will go to the Homer Community Food Pantry.

On Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 6-8 p.m., the Porcupine Theater will host a community potluck and fundraiser in support of the Homer food pantry. Attendees are invited to bring a dish to share or just come hungry. Entry is a suggested donation of $20; kids will eat free. All proceeds will go to HCFP. Live music will also be provided, and a community conversation will be held as food pantry members give a short presentation on HCFP updates, current challenges related to food insecurity and ways the community can continue to support local resources like the Homer food pantry.

In other avenues of assistance, the food pantry is looking for additional volunteer drivers to pick up food donations from stores, as well as volunteers to help stock the community free fridge.

For food donations, according to two food pantry coordinators, HCFP is currently most in need of canned or frozen meats such as turkey, chicken, tuna, salmon or Spam. Canned soups and canned fruit are also in high demand as both are distributed to families weekly on Mondays and to local students that are homeless or don’t have enough to eat.

Whether you are in need of help or want to give help to the Homer Community Food Pantry, learn more about them at homerfoodpantry.org/.

Homer Community Food Pantry volunteers and board president Cinda Martin (right) distribute food on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, to local community members at the Homer United Methodist Church in Homer, Alaska. Photo provided by Deb Schmidt