world-economy

Maine Fishing Program Battles Inflation With Free Seafood Distribution

Rising fuel and food costs are squeezing Maine's groundfishing industry, but a pandemic-era initiative is providing relief while addressing food insecurity across the state. Fishermen Feeding Mainers, launched in late 2020, has invested more than $4 million to purchase locally caught fish, process it and distribute frozen fillets to schools and food banks. The program targets groundfish species including cod and haddock. Boothbay fisherman Devyn Campbell said prices for his catch plummeted during the pandemic when restaurants closed, leaving fishermen facing drastically reduced earnings. Now in its sixth year, the initiative continues supporting fishing crews facing persistent financial pressures. It also introduces seafood to institutions like public schools that traditionally have limited access to fresh local fish. The partnership between the Portland Fish Exchange and Maine Coast Fishermen's Association aims to sustain both the fishing industry and food security efforts statewide.