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This project is the cornerstone of SeaShare's Seafood Donation Program. Begun as a pilot project in 1993 and fully implemented by federal fisheries regulations in 1998, the program allows enrolled seafood processors in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska trawl fisheries to retain salmon and halibut bycatch for donation to hunger-relief agencies. SeaShare is currently working with NMFS to expand this valuable program to other management regions .
These projects enable salmon producers to maximize the value from fish they buy from fishermen. Processors harvest the valuable roe from the late-season run, then donate the remainder of the fish to SeaShare . By culling out the more highly valued fish and donating the lower-valued (yet nutritionally wholesome) fish, individual companies can strengthen their market position - and make an immense contribution to national hunger relief efforts at the same time .
SeaShare is the lead agency in an industry-wide initiative to increase the availability of seafood products to hunger-relief organizations throughout the United States. The program receives major funding from Kraft Foods to pursue volume that could not be reclaimed or processed without additional resoureces.
SeaShare receives significant donations of seafood inventory that owners wish to move out of storage. It is an effective means of cutting storage costs, clearing out small and odd lots, or product with packaging errors, etc. All the products SeaShare receives are food grade.
Members of the At-Sea Processors Association, an organization representing catcher-processors in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, annually contribute products to SeaShare in an amount proportional to their company's allocation of the Bering Sea pollock harvest. The products include a wide variety of value-added products such as pollock fillets, breaded oven-ready products, and surimi-based analog products. This program alone, called the Community Catch Program, has provided over three million meals to hunger relief in the Pacific Northwest and across the country.
SeaShare, in partnership with America's Second Harvest, sponsors seminars for agency employees and volunteers at food banks that have received seafood donations. A guest chef demonstrates simple, low-cost cooking methods for recipients who may have little experience with seafood in their part of the country. The seminars are designed to educate agency staff and volunteers about the qualities and benefits of seafood, and to address regional and cultural issues regarding seafood preparation .
The success of SeaShare's Seafood Donation Programs would not be possible without the extensive, ongoing support of the shipping companies, trucking companies, packaging suppliers, cold storage operators, professional services providers, and individuals that donate their valuable services to this industry effort .
Seashare • 600 Erickson Avenue NE, Suite 310 • Bainbridge Island, WA 98100 • 206.842.3609
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