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The UAF Chukchi Campus, located in Kotzebue above the Arctic Circle, is situated in an area abundant with food resources that have traditionally supported the Native people living there for thousands of years. To complement these natural food sources from the land and ocean, the Food Security and Sovereignty (FSS) project aims to develop domestic agriculture in this challenging environment, which has a short growing season.

The FSS project promotes local and sustainable food production through the establishment and cultivation of three key food sources: an outdoor demonstration garden featuring crops such as potatoes, lettuce, and cabbage; a native food garden filled with plants that are traditionally harvested and consumed from the tundra; and a hydroponic growing system designed to produce greens, tomatoes, and other salad ingredients. By utilizing alternative energy in the hydroponic system, we enhance food security by ensuring a sustainable energy source for year-round controlled growing.

The FSS program benefits from strong participation by local community members, including youth and organizations that serve young people. Through various workshops and hands-on learning experiences, participants gain valuable knowledge and skills related to personal gardening, native food gathering, and food preservation. Community members are encouraged to volunteer in the construction and maintenance of the gardens at Chukchi Campus, where they can learn how to grow common food plants. The FSS program emphasizes the connection between subsistence living and agriculture, highlighting how both contribute to the region by providing secure sources of healthy, locally grown produce and traditional foods.