The Gulf of Maine Research Institute celebrates local seafood champions
The following text is from the Gulf of Maine Research Institute's press release. Read the full press release here.
PORTLAND, ME, June 25, 2024 — The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) has announced three winners of its first annual Gulf of Maine Tastemakers awards, recognizing local businesses for their exceptional contributions to the seafood industry. The institute’s sustainable seafood experts honored their partners with awards in three categories: Local, Climate, and Innovation.
Each of these partners participates in the institute’s new Gulf of Maine Tastemakers program. The businesses comprising this program are dedicated to celebrating and promoting the vibrant array of local seafood from our region's waters and fostering a sustainable, resilient regional seafood economy. At the heart of Gulf of Maine Tastemakers is a commitment from each business to source 35% of total seafood purchases locally by 2025.
Innovation Award Winner: South Portland School Nutrition Program
In the three short years that Shawn Perry has led the South Portland School Nutrition Program, he has established himself as a champion in the sea-to-school movement and an enthusiastic partner. Under his leadership, his hardworking staff have successfully served local fish at least twice a month (and sometimes more) during the past school year. This is outstanding, as most K-12 schools — if they serve fish at all — typically only offer it once a month, and it's often not local. Shawn’s innovative approach to the sea-to-school program has been impactful for the students in South Portland. By incorporating culturally diverse seafood recipes across all age groups in the district, asylee, refugee, and immigrant students are offered a familiar protein in a familiar preparation. Shawn has successfully broken down the barriers that previously prevented fish from staying on the lunch menu and has even offered local fish as a breakfast option. His ability and willingness to think outside the box have earned him, his staff, and the South Portland School Nutrition Program a win for our inaugural Gulf of Maine Tastemakers Innovation Award.
By prioritizing regional seafood, Gulf of Maine Tastemakers not only support the livelihoods of fishing families and coastal communities but also promote a healthier, more sustainable food system. New England boasts a rich history and culture surrounding seafood, yet much of our local fish remains overshadowed in the global marketplace. Gulf of Maine Tastemakers continue to shift this paradigm by showcasing the quality and variety of regional seafood.
About the Gulf of Maine Research Institute:
The Gulf of Maine Research Institute develops and delivers collaborative solutions to global ocean challenges. Located in Portland, ME, the institute is dedicated to the resilience of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and the communities that depend on it. For more information, visit www.gmri.org.