Maine's groundfishing industry has found a lifeline in the Fishermen Feeding Mainers program, a pandemic-era initiative that partners the Portland Fish Exchange and the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association.

The $4 million investment in Maine's groundfishermen

The program has spent over $4 million on purchasing and processing about 1.3 million pounds of locally caught fish since its inception in late 2020.

This investment has provided a lifeline to Maine's struggling groundfishermen and offered a free food source to locals during inflation.

1.8 million meals delivered to schools and food banks

The program has donated more than 1.8 million meals to schoos and food banks since October 2020.

Some schools and food banks have driven more than 10 hours round trip multiple times for the free haul, which allows local fishing crews to continue working with some security against unpredictable auction prices.

Westbrook High School's innovative lunch menu

The program has significantly improved the diversity of school lunches and provided a taste of fresh seafood to students who may not have had access to it otherwise .

One example is the Westbrook High School lunch menu, featuring haddock with a tangy Greek yogurt sauce on a whole grain tortilla, served with cilantro lime rice and lentil stew.