Sales of Maine Coast Monkfish Stew to support local fishing economy and aid hunger-relief efforts
Scarborough, Maine – A partnership between Hannaford Supermarkets and the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association (MCFA) – a non-profit that supports the state’s fishermen and sustainable fisheries – is bringing a new stew featuring a sustainable, local and often-overlooked fish to the tables of Mainers.
Maine Coast Monkfish Stew is a delicious combination of monkfish and locally-sourced vegetables in a light, creamy base with just a touch of spice. This innovative new dish is now available in Hannaford stores throughout southern Maine, including: Falmouth, Kennebunk, North Windham, Yarmouth and York with plans underway to expand availability to other Hannaford locations in the future.
Proceeds from sales of Maine Coast Monkfish Stew are earmarked for the purchase of fresh fish from local fishermen that will then be donated to area food pantries to help combat food insecurity in Maine communities as part of the Fishermen Feeding Mainers Program.
“Hannaford is excited to introduce this locally-sourced and prepared stew to our customers this summer,” said Hannaford Supermarkets Seafood Category Manager Nathan Jewell. “In addition to featuring fresh, sustainably-harvested monkfish caught right here on the Maine coast, the stew includes local products such as Maine potatoes, carrots, cream and lobster stock. Offering locally-sourced, sustainable products is a win-win for the Maine economy and our shoppers. We encourage customers who have not yet discovered monkfish to try this new stew while knowing their purchase supports both our local fishermen and community members in need.”
Monkfish is not yet well established as part of the American seafood diet, despite it being native to the Northwest Atlantic and frequently found within New England’s coastal waters. The monkfish used in the new dish is cut by Free Range Fish in Portland, while the stew is cooked and packaged by Hurricane’s Premium Soups and Chowders in Greene, Maine.
“This appetizing dish features a dynamic and complex flavor profile that even those who have never tried monkfish will enjoy,” said Phil Wilbur of Hurricane’s Premium Soups and Chowders.
During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, MCFA launched the Fishermen Feeding Mainers Program as a way to combat food insecurity in local communities. Maine Coast Monkfish Stew is an extension of that program.
“Introducing Maine Coast Monkfish Stew to a retail market allows us to create a revenue stream back to the Fishermen Feeding Mainers Program,” said MCFA Executive Director Ben Martens. “Additionally, the stew is a way for us to introduce consumers to a local and sustainably sourced seafood choice largely unfamiliar to them and to support Maine’s fishermen.”
The charitable program has benefitted several local food banks and pantries supporting food insecurity across the state of Maine, including: Bath Area Food Bank, Harrison Food Bank, St. Luke’s Food Pantry, Sacred Heart Food Pantry, Good Shepherd Food Bank, Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program and numerous other programs serving children.
“As the largest hunger-relief organization in Maine, Good Shepherd Food Bank supports Mainers facing hunger by sourcing nutritious food and distributing it to nearly 600 partner organizations across the state,” said Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine Senior Sourcing Manager Nancy Perry. “Through our Mainers Feeding Mainers program, we welcome local food producers to join our work to eliminate hunger in the state. That is why the Fisherman Feeding Mainers program is so important. It allows the Food Bank to offer fresh fish to neighbors in need.”
Since its launch in 2020, the Fishermen Feeding Mainers program has provided more than 400,000 meals throughout the Pine Tree State.
About Hannaford Supermarkets
Hannaford Supermarkets operates 184 stores in the Northeast, most with full-service pharmacies. Stores are located in Maine, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. All are committed to offering great fresh food, convenient experiences and everyday low prices. Hannaford also is an active and committed community partner—focusing on fighting hunger, supporting youth development, and helping people live healthier lives. Hannaford is an industry leader in sustainability with a strong commitment to reducing waste and protecting the environment. Hannaford diverts or donates all food at risk of going to waste—sending no food to landfills. In 2020, Hannaford donated more than 25 million pounds of food to hunger relief organizations and prevented 65 million pounds of food waste from reaching landfills. Hannaford employs nearly 30,000 associates and is based in Scarborough, Maine. Additional information can be found at Hannaford.com.