Alaska National Guard Delivers 7 Tons of Meat to Storm-Ravaged Toksook Bay for Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, the residents of Toksook Bay, a remote community of about 600 people in Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, are receiving a generous gift—100-pound portions of various meats.

Delivered by the Alaska National Guard, the shipment is part of a growing military assistance program designed to support communities still recovering from the devastating effects of Typhoon Merbok.

A Lifeline for Toksook Bay

The town of Toksook Bay has been struggling since September 2022, when Typhoon Merbok caused severe damage, including widespread flooding, which left many communities in Western Alaska physically and economically vulnerable.

The storm’s remnants tore through the region, leaving families with significant food insecurity.

To assist, the Alaska National Guard coordinated the delivery of approximately 7 tons of frozen meat. The mission, which involves providing meat from government-sourced supplies, aims to ensure that Toksook Bay residents have enough to feast on this holiday season.

The community typically relies on hunting and local fishing for food, but the storm has disrupted these activities, making outside support crucial.

Meat as a Symbol of Resilience

For the people of Toksook Bay, the delivery represents more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of resilience and recovery. With the military’s aid, they are able to celebrate Thanksgiving with hope, despite the challenges they’ve faced in recent years.

This program, now gaining popularity in Alaska, not only helps provide immediate relief but also strengthens community ties and ensures that families can gather and enjoy the holidays.

As residents in Toksook Bay and other storm-impacted regions continue to rebuild, this act of solidarity reminds us that in times of hardship, communities are never alone—there is always support, even from the skies.

Interested in more stories of community resilience and support? Visit our homepage for more updates on meat deliveries and disaster relief efforts.