Fishermen Feeding Mainers, a program of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, will receive $750,000 in federal funding thanks to a successful request by U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King. The funds will support the program through Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine.
The Fishermen Feeding Mainers program began in October 2020 in response to the collapse of local markets and rising food insecurity in Maine. Initially funded by an anonymous foundation, the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association partnered with Good Shepherd Food Bank to distribute donated fish to food pantries, meal sites, and other hunger relief organizations throughout the state.
With an original goal of serving 100,000 meals, the program’s quick success was buoyed by federal and state resources, as well as hundreds of individuals, businesses and foundations that have helped deliver more than 1.25 million meals to date. The new federal funding will ensure the program can continue over the next year.
Ben Martens, executive director of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, said it is “incredibly grateful” for the support of Collins and King, whom he called “amazing champions of the working waterfront, Maine fishermen, and this program.”
“Feeding Maine communities local seafood, and especially getting local seafood into schools, is a huge win for our state,” Martens said. “We are thrilled to be able to continue this good work.”
Through the program, the Fishermen’s Association purchases fish directly from Maine fishermen. The fish is processed locally and donated to the Good Shepherd Food Bank, then distributed to food pantries, meal sites, schools and other community organizations.
To date, Good Shepherd Food Bank has purchased more than 800,000 pounds of fish, including haddock, cod, monkfish, flounder and pollock. The fish provides hunger relief organizations with access to high-quality, sustainable protein.
The program has infused more than $2.2 million into the Maine economy and donated more than $9.75 million worth of local seafood throughout the state.
“The Fishermen Feeding Mainers program supports fishermen by helping them supply food banks with locally caught seafood,” Collins said. “This funding will assist the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association and their partners in their efforts to support Maine’s fishermen, working waterfronts, and blue economy while supplying fresh, healthy seafood to those in need.”
“People across Maine deserve access to basic food and nutrition, no matter what town or socioeconomic background they come from,” King said. “With a bounty just off our shores, I am proud to support Good Shepherd Food Bank and the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association’s Fishermen Feeding Mainers project that is bringing fresh-caught Maine seafood to those who need it most.”
