American Seafoods Launches Western Alaska Community Partnership Program

American Seafoods has announced a community partnership program to aid Western Alaska communities through annual donations to select entities to fund community projects that address food security and other pressing social needs.

The program, rebranded as American Seafoods Community Partnership, involves an increase from $90,000 to $150,000 annually, with $75,000 total to be awarded every six months. Since 1997, American Seafoods has granted over $2 million to organizations and programs in Alaska.

American Seafoods CEO Einar Gustafsson said the program began in 1997 out of a desire to help Alaskan communities.

“Over the years, American Seafoods’ contributions have made a significant impact, and we look forward to continuing forward as we sustainably harvest wild Alaska pollock,” Gustafsson said.

Bristol Bay Native Association Food Bank coordinator Barbara Nunn said American Seafoods is one of their largest contributors and helps the food bank feed many underprivileged people in the Bristol Bay region.

Susan Smith, executive director of another funds recipient, the Brother Francis Shelter, said American Seafoods supports the Brother Francis Shelter Kodiak and serving those in need in that community, including those who are homeless, with dignity and compassion.

The company is accepting applications for the Community Partnership program from the following regions: Kodiak Island, Aleutian and Pribilof Islands/Western Alaska Peninsula, Bristol Bay, Lower Kuskokwim, Lower Yukon, Norton Sound and communities north.

The application deadline is Sept. 16. Most grant awards are expected to range from $1,000 to $7,500 each.