Traditional Foods and Donated Fish and Game

Together with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Division of Environmental Health, Food Safety and Sanitation Program, the DEED Child Nutrition Programs and The Department of Fish and Game have reviewed the use of donated fish and game in schools, residential childcare institutions, summer food service program, and childcare and adult care nutrition programs.

According to state regulations traditional wild game meat, seafood, plants, and other food may be donated to a food service for the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Summer Food Service Program, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program, which all fall under  USDA Food and Nutrition Services.

It is very important to read and apply the Alaska State Food Code Regulations if you intend to accept such a donation.  Please refer to the Use of Donated Foods in Alaska Child Nutrition Programs for a quick overview.

On this page, you will find links to the state resources as well as posters, forms, labels and additional resources for safe handling and use of these food items. Read these materials carefully before accepting any donated fish or wild game meats.

Additional Resources for Use of Fish and Game

• Alaska Dept. of Environmental Conservation, Food Safety and Sanitation Program: Traditional Foods
• Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Regulations
• University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service
  • Publications on food, nutrition and health
• USDA:  Bringing Tribal Foods and Traditions into Cafeterias, Classrooms, and Gardens
• USDA FNS Technical Assistance Memo TA 01-2024: Crediting Traditional Indigenous Foods in Child Nutrition Programs
• USDA Procuring Local Meat, Poultry, Game, and Eggs for Child nutrition Program
• USDA Resource Guide for American Indians and Alaska Natives 2022
• USDA Service of Traditional Foods in Public Facilities