In the recent rounds of federal cuts, an important community program was defunded: Community Meals. Community Meals are free weekly dinners offered at the Southside Community Farmers’ Market: every Tuesday, June through September, 4-6:30 p.m. at 24th and Rickert. These healthy, locally-sourced meals are lovingly created by professional chefs and are free to anyone who cares to share.
For the last two summers, Community Meals was funded by the United States Department of Agriculture’s successful Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) program. The LFPA paid local farmers to share their harvests with anti-hunger nonprofits. This investment in local economy supported Fairbanks farmers and provided critical food relief for vulnerable Alaskans. In March of 2025, the federal government pulled their support without warning. Many participating farmers had already purchased seed and planned to expand their harvest potential before learning that the funding had been revoked.
A seasonal outdoor community market, the Southside Market features Alaska grown and produced food, in the heart of Fairbanks’ South Cushman neighborhood. This neighborhood is the most food insecure in our city. It is also a vibrant and active community with members who participate in and support the Market. There’s often live music at the Market & other nonprofits, like the Fairbanks Children’s Museum, join in the fun by bringing bubbles and games for kids. Along with the neighborhood steering committee, Calypso Farm organizes the Southside Market. This is the Market’s tenth summer of selling vegetables, eggs and other farm-based goods from farmers, bakers and local food makers.
The Southside Market is dedicated to making quality, local food accessible to everyone. The LFPA afforded Alaska grown produce to be used for Community Meals as well as it being distributed to food insecure residents at Southall, Golden Towers and Golden Ages — all of whom are senior citizens or Alaskans with disabilities. In their commitment to food justice, the Southside Market accepts SNAP (food stamps), WIC, Senior Farmers Market Coupons and offers “Pay What You Can” discounts — up to 50% off — to anyone in need.
For years, Calypso Farm and the Bread Line have partnered in the fight against food insecurity in south Fairbanks. Community Meals is one of our strongest collaborations yet. Whether you’re a market customer, a Southside neighbor, or someone in need of excellent company and a wholesome meal — everyone is welcome. Community Meals provides nutritious, delicious dinners that showcase local ingredients seasonally available at the Market. Our professional chefs prioritize meals that are easy to recreate in a home kitchen and recipe cards are provided for each meal. Last summer, volunteers gave out over 4,000 Community Meals at the Southside Market!
Calypso Farm, the Bread Line and the Southside Community Farmers Market are committed to continuing the work of building a stronger community, one meal at a time. We believe in Community Meals because we believe in Fairbanks. Community Meals fills bellies and my whole heart because community is the most powerful response we can have to injustice. Local support will keep Community Meals going at the Southside Market for another season but “building a longer table” in a time of too many “higher fences” takes many people pulling together. To learn more about how you can support Community Meals, contact the Bread Line at info@breadlineak.org or call 907-452-1974.
We hope to see you at Community Meals this summer.
Hannah C. Hill is executive director of Bread Line.
