Dear Alaskans

In awe of self-sacrifice

Fairbanks is Alaska’s Golden Heart City for good reason. Those lucky enough to live there can see those words come to life at Bread Line. The nearly 40-year-old nonprofit is devoted to “feeding people and affirming lives.” Executive Director Hannah Hill, their team of five, and a dynamic squad of board members and other volunteers dedicate themselves to serving those who otherwise might go hungry.

Too many Americans, including far too many Alaskans, worry over their next meal. Despite our status as the most advanced nation in the world, hunger is a disturbing reality. According to Bloomberg, about 32 million Americans had their monthly food stamp benefits cut at the end of February by an average of $90 per person. Meanwhile, grocery prices are up nearly 25% since the first pandemic wave in February 2020. Hannah and the team don’t despair. Despite serving record numbers of meals each of the last seven months, they attack hunger with the same level of passion and enthusiasm as when they first started doing this work.

Each weekday at 7:30 a.m., Bread Line opens the doors at its Stone Soup Cafe. You do not have to be sober. You do not have to be destitute, jobless or experiencing homelessness, although many guests are. You need only be hungry. No questions asked. More than 100 times a day, Hannah and the team greet the next guest with a friendly: “Hello. What can I get you today?”

I’m in awe of their self-sacrifice. With smiles and undaunted positivity, they make new gourmet meals with donated food and vegetables from their garden across the street. Their own numbers show that things are getting worse, but they only speak of gratitude for their donors, volunteers and customers. 

I challenge each of us to stop by Bread Line or another Alaska nonprofit we drive or walk past every day and thank the team delivering services to our communities. You will be amazed at the dedication and talent of these selfless individuals committed to making Alaska a better place. 

At Rasmuson Foundation, we’ve looked inward the last couple of years during a once-in-a-generation leadership transition. Our board needed to get it right in selecting our next great leader. Boy, did we ever! Now that Gretchen is in place, we look forward to refocusing our attention outward on those who do the hard work on the frontlines, like Hannah and the team.

Lastly, thanks to my uncle, Ed Rasmuson. He’s been gone more than two years, but his confidence and advice still guide us every day.

With gratitude,