South Portland Sea-to-School

Why local seafood in schools?

Seafood provides key nutrients that help support developing brains, bones, and heart health. Despite the benefits, fish is not regularly served in schools and if served, it is often processed. Seafood is also New England’s most abundant animal protein. Yet, local fishermen compete in a massive global seafood marketplace.

Many fisheries in our region are abundant and responsibly harvested but lack market demand and face tough competition with imports. Comprehensive sea-to-school programs can help build demand and support fishermen all while improving student nutrition.

Learn more about the work we’ve been doing to put seafood in schools.

Diving in Deep with South Portland

Through a grant we received from the Partnerships for Local Agriculture and Nutrition Transformation in Schools (PLANTS) Grant program, we are working with the Chef Ann Foundation to transform school seafood supply chains and create new pathways for student and community engagement.

This project will build a holistic sea-to-school program in South Portland, ME, by strengthening the connections between the cafeteria, classroom, and community – the three key components to a successful local food program in schools.

We will build upon previous work to implement culturally relevant recipes for seafood in schools and to reach middle schoolers with a local seafood curriculum. We will expand training for school foodservice staff, increase procurement by partnering with the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, and connect with the broader community in South Portland through parent-focused events.

An increase in the frequency of culturally diverse local fish recipes will provide healthy, inclusive meals to students. We will document lessons learned and best practices to share across the region and to scale the market opportunities for local fishermen.