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CANstruction is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that transforms creativity into impact, using canned food as both art and a tool to fight hunger. Each year, architects, engineers, contractors, and students compete to design and build massive structures made entirely from full cans of food. After the competition, every can is donated to local food banks in the communities where the events take place, ensuring that creativity leads directly to nourishment for those in need.
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Founded in 1992 by Cheri Melillo, Canstruction has grown into one of the world’s largest food drives, raising millions of pounds of food for food banks in more than 150 cities worldwide. With over 30,000 volunteers participating annually, Canstruction continues to prove that one can makes a difference.
The Anchorage Chapter
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Hunger remains a serious issue in Alaska, where nearly 94,000 Alaskans—about 1 in 8—struggle with food insecurity. This includes approximately 24,000 children who don’t always know where their next meal will come from. With 40% of the state's population residing in Anchorage, the city plays a vital role in addressing hunger across Alaska.
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Our Beginnings
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CANstruction Anchorage began in 2007 when local architects Krista Phillips and Cynthia Oistad co-chaired the city’s first event. Leading up to that year, their architectural office had participated in local food drives, but they envisioned something bigger—something that would unite Alaska’s architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) community in a creative and impactful way. Inspired by photos of CANstruction events in other states, they saw an opportunity to showcase design talent while supporting Food Bank of Alaska.
Working closely with CANstruction's national organization, they gathered support materials, formed a small but dedicated steering committee, and spread the word to local AEC firms. Several Food Bank of Alaska employees also joined in, helping to plan the event and rally participation.
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The first competition was strategically scheduled in February to coincide with Anchorage Fur Rendezvous (Fur Rondy), a time when food bank resources are often stretched thin. Over the years, the timing of the event has shifted slightly, but it has consistently taken place in the February/March timeframe, ensuring critical food donations during a season of high need.
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Our Impact
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Since 2008, CANstruction Anchorage has been held annually, bringing together teams who transform thousands of cans into extraordinary structures—and then into meals. Over the years, the event has donated more than 400,000 pounds of food to help fight hunger in Alaska.
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We love that you can have fun while making a difference!
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Steering Committee
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Big City Engineers
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