Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association is working with South Portland Schools to increase access to local seafood into school cafeterias through developing tasty ready-to-serve menu options that are taste tested by students in the district as well as three others across the state. This work is funded through several grants that include work with Full Plates Full Potential and also with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, which is connecting their sustainable seafood curriculum to the seafood being served in cafeterias.
The first product to be sampled as a part of this project is a Maine fish cake made by Graffam Brothers Seafood, a family-run business in Rockport, Maine. The cake is made with dab flounder, an undervalued but abundant flatfish, along with Maine potatoes, carrots and herbs and spices. The cake has been sampled at the High School, the Small Elementary School, and the Middle School – all resulting in high praise from students and staff. Of the sixty or so students who tallied their opinions at the High School, 50 said that they “loved it!” One student at the Small School said, “I didn’t like it. I loved it!” and when another was asked to give a thumbs up if he liked it, he said, “No, I’ll show you 10,” holding up all 10 fingers.
A big thank you goes to South Portland’s Head Chef Shawn Perry along with the incredible kitchen staff who have been involved, and to Food Corps member Aimee Styklunas, all of whom have done an incredible job making this happen. Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association looks forward to bringing more seafood options into South Portland Schools as this great project continues!
