Eating queso for good is not a hard sell, and that’s exactly what you can do this Thursday (Oct. 23) at Serrano’s, which is donating $2 to the Food Bank of Alaska for every queso sold.
The promotion is part of Anchorage Restaurant Week, where locally owned restaurants are running specials, contributing funds to the Food Bank of Alaska, and donating gift cards to Anchorage diners now through Sunday, Oct. 26.
The participating restaurants list has nearly doubled since last year so diners, drinkers, and snackers can choose from many food and beverage options that will benefit our neighbors experiencing food insecurity.
Rachael Miller, Chief of Advocacy at Food Bank of Alaska says funding from the growing Anchorage Restaurant Week supports food purchasing, neighbor assistance, and program support.
“In a year where there is much uncertainty about the economy, it’s a critical time to build new partnerships,” she said. “Western Alaska disaster response is definitely a part of our operations right now.”
Each of the 51 restaurants participates differently. Some restaurants donate a portion of sales. Others, including Turkish Delight and the Locally Grown Restaurant Group (Snow City, Spenard Roadhouse, South Restaurant + Coffeehouse, and Crush Bistro) offer special prefix menus for the week. Another handful donate a percentage of sales only on specific items, such as pastries at Kaffee Klatsch, mangonadas at La Michoacana, or queso at Serrano’s (this Thursday only).
Miller says the best way to participate is to dine out between now and Sunday, and to post and tag the restaurants on social media.
“This year, every restaurant has already committed to a contribution and a gift card donation for our social media contest. So if you’re dining out at a place on our list – you’re helping!”
The social media buzz around the week is also an opportunity for participating restaurants to show community-mindedness beyond their normal operations. In addition to making special off-menu manti (Turkish dumplings) as part of a prefix menu this week, Turkish Delight posted a heartfelt note about why they choose to participate.
“As a neighborhood restaurant, it is impossible for us not to think about our neighbors who may be hungry or undernourished. We are so grateful for the way Anchorage has supported us in our business and this is a small way for us to pay that kindness forward.”
Miller notes how it’s important for that kindness to go both ways.
“Encourage the staff wherever you dine. They’re working hard to make this a great event too.”
Currently, 1 in 7 Alaskans (and 1 in 5 kids) experience hunger. The Food Bank of Alaska website has ample information on the giving impact and how funding is spent on food sourcing. Find that information, and the full list of participating restaurants at: foodbankofalaska.org/anchorage-restaurant-week.
Jenny Weis writes for a variety of Alaska nonprofits and causes in between keeping up on Alaska's doughnut scene, sliding on snow, and gawking at cool plants and rocks along local trails.
