The Anchor Point Food Pantry’s “Frontier Days” fundraiser, held Saturday, Oct. 4 at the VFW Post 10221 in Anchor Point, was a “joyful roundup for a vital cause,” pantry board president Missy Martin said Monday.

Celebrating fall and bringing back a bit of the days of old, the event included games, a petting zoo, hayrides, a live auction and silent auction, and a community dinner. The pantry also launched a $3,500 matching donation challenge, which Martin said the community “rose to meet it and beyond.”

“With rising food costs and growing need, the fundraiser helped us secure vital funds to purchase food and maintain safe, suitable storage environments,” she said.

Matching donors included NAPA Kachemak Auto Parts, the Homer Knights of Columbus, the Cody Dinger Fund at the Alaska Community Foundation, and Bay Realty.

“Their compassion sparked a wave of giving that will ripple through our programs for months to come,” Martin said.

Last year, the Anchor Point Food Pantry served more than 6,000 meals to community members and prepared nearly 1,000 weekend meal bags for hungry children in school. The pantry also supports families through The Emergency Food Assistance Program, or TEFAP, and their kids’ summer lunch program — all for their continued goal of ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry.

“We’re proud of what we accomplished together — and we’re so thankful to everyone who showed up, gave generously, and helped make this event a true celebration of care and community,” Martin said. “Behind every dollar raised and every meal served are volunteers who show up, roll up their sleeves, and make sure no one in our community goes hungry. Their commitment is the quiet force that keeps this mission moving forward.”

Learn more about or donate to the Anchor Point Food Pantry at www.anchorpointfoodpantry.org/, or find them on Facebook.

Baby pigs, part of the petting zoo provided by the Anchor River Llama Alpaca Ranch and Backyard Dreams Farm, root around in the grass during the Anchor Point Food Pantry’s “Frontier Days” fundraiser browse through silent auction items on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at the VFW Post 10221 in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

Volunteer Cathy Kremer serves as “camp cook” during the Anchor Point Food Pantry’s “Frontier Days” fundraiser browse through silent auction items on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at the VFW Post 10221 in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

Community members attending the Anchor Point Food Pantry’s “Frontier Days” fundraiser browse through silent auction items on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at the VFW Post 10221 in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)