Igiugig Village is located off the road system, and like in many other rural Alaska communities, food security is a concern due to the high cost of living. Subsistence foods are key to food security and are intrinsic to the Tribe’s cultural identity. In recent years, access to subsistence foods has been hindered by the high gas prices, which limit people’s ability to travel to subsistence areas. In May 2023 gas in Igiugig cost $9/gallon (over twice the national average), and the high gas prices are expected to persist in rural Alaska, continuing to limit access to subsistence foods.
Igiugig Village proposes to purchase over 30,000 pounds of Alaska-grown food, including berries, herring roe, meat, and halibut. Traditional foods such as berries and herring roe will be purchased from tribal citizens. The food will be distributed to more than 100 tribal members and village residents. This project will both support local Alaska Native producers and increase Igiugig tribal members' access to traditional foods such as berries and herring roe. In addition, the project will also provide Igiugig households with fresh produce and other protein sources.