UIC Partners with Local Grocers to Increase Food Security
Utqiaġvik crews come together at the Nalukataq whaling festival.
Photo Credit: Patricia Morales | Alaska Business
Anticipating a surge of visitors to Utqiaġvik this winter, the local village corporation is partnering with Alaska Commercial Company (AC) and Kannika’s Market to ensure everyone has enough food. In response to increased demand and low inventory levels, Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC) is donating warm storage space to support local grocers in restocking and maintaining essential supplies.
Preparing for Visitors
Alaska’s northernmost town is preparing for the upcoming meeting of the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission and the North Slope Borough-hosted Kivgiq celebration, scheduled for February 10 to 16. These weeklong events will bring hundreds of visitors to Utqiaġvik, increasing the need for food and goods.
Because UIC is providing storage space, AC can bring in an expedited delivery of 75,000 additional pounds of groceries, including 55,000 pounds of dry goods, 10,000 pounds of chilled food, and 10,000 pounds of frozen food. Similarly, Kannika’s Market is expecting up to twenty additional pallets of supplies. The UIC-provided space will ensure the goods are safely stockpiled and quickly made available to the community via their respective storefronts.
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March 2025
“Food security is one of UIC’s priorities, and we’re proud to partner with AC and Kannika’s to ensure our community’s needs are met,” says Dr. Pearl K. Brower, president and CEO of UIC. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to the well-being of our shareholders and the community of Utqiaġvik.”
Alaska’s northernmost town has sufficiently stockpiled supermarkets on most days of the year, thanks to AC stores and others, but a surge of visitors requires planning ahead.
Photo Credit: Patricia Morales | Alaska Business
Kyle Hill, president of AC, expressed appreciation for UIC’s support. “AC is pleased to collaborate with UIC on food security in Utqiaġvik and the broader region. The availability of UIC’s warm storage facilities will enhance our ability to serve the community more effectively,” Hill says. “We are expediting shipments and working diligently to ensure every shelf in our store is stocked.”
UIC, AC, and Kannika’s Market leaders say they are dedicated to addressing these food security challenges and will continue to seek innovative solutions to better serve the people of Utqiaġvik and UIC’s shareholders for both the immediate and long term. They add that the partnership highlights the power of collaboration in overcoming challenges and meeting the needs of our community.
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