HAGERSTOWN- The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced the award of $1.9 million to three statewide foodbanks to be used for the purchase of Wild Caught Chesapeake blue catfish filets. Funded by the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service in a cooperative agreement with the department, this program will provide approximately 283,000 pounds of fish filets to food banks for distribution statewide.
“Blue catfish is a win-win for the Maryland Food Bank—we are supporting local businesses and helping to combat an invasive species in the Bay, while also providing a nutritious source of protein to neighbors facing food insecurity,” said Meg Kimmel, President and CEO of the Maryland Food Bank. “We are excited to continue our strong partnership with the Maryland Department of Agriculture.”
From December 2025 to December 2026, blue catfish fillets will be distributed through Maryland food banks. The program will allocate funds as follows: the Maryland Food Bank will receive $1,384,803, the Capital Area Food Bank will receive $499,693, and the Western Maryland Food Bank will receive $53,617…