This fall, public food banks in the Chesapeake Bay area faced a tough challenge during a 43-day government shutdown. With many local families relying on these banks, new funding from both federal and state agriculture departments aims to provide critical support. This assistance not only benefits food banks but also helps local seafood workers.
The shutdown, which lasted from October 1 to November 12, 2025, hit the Bay area hard. This region has a high concentration of federal employees, making Virginia and Maryland particularly vulnerable. During this time, around 189,000 people in each state were either furloughed or working without pay. As a result, nearly 1.5 million people, including many children, struggled to access food. Some even turned to food banks for the first time.
Food insecurity remains a pressing issue. That’s why news of a $1.9 million grant to provide food banks with Chesapeake Bay blue catfish is uplifting. This funding will allow food banks in Maryland and Virginia to purchase 283,000 pounds of this local fish, benefiting both the community’s health and local seafood businesses.
According to Meg Kimmel, President and CEO of the Maryland Food Bank, “Blue catfish is a win-win.” It supports local fishermen while addressing an environmental challenge. This invasive species poses a threat to native fish in the Bay, and by harvesting them, the community can help restore the ecosystem.
Maryland’s Secretary of Agriculture, Kevin Attacks, highlighted the importance of this initiative. It not only combats hunger but supports rural maritime communities. The program also ensures a steady supply of nutritious protein for those facing food insecurity.
Tilghman Island Seafood, a key player in this effort, has been processing blue catfish for over two years. Owner Nick Hargrove notes that consistent contracts with food banks provide stability for local fishermen, which is a rarity in the seafood business. “You get standing orders for the whole year,” he says. This arrangement helps both the processing plants and the fishermen.
Blue catfish offers health benefits, as it is high in Omega-3 fatty acids and low in sodium. It’s an inclusive option for various dietary needs, making it a versatile protein choice. Hargrove emphasizes the importance of exposing children to healthier eating habits. By providing fish instead of just processed foods, food banks can cultivate better nutritional knowledge among young recipients.
With its mild flavor, blue catfish can be used in various recipes. Hargrove enjoys preparing it in several ways, from tacos to smoked dishes. As prices for other fish rise, blue catfish remains an affordable option for families, often retailing between $7.99 and $9.99 per pound.
In the end, this food bank blue catfish program serves multiple purposes: feeding the hungry, supporting local seafood businesses, and contributing positively to the environment. As Hargrove puts it, “Not a lot of fisheries can say that.”
For more details on food insecurity and its impacts, check out Feeding America, a leading non-profit dedicated to addressing hunger across the U.S.
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blue catfish,invasive,Maryland Food Bank,Tilghman Island Seafood
