Maine's fishing industry is grappling with rising costs and declining fish populations, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fishermen Feeding Mainers program, initiated in late 2020, has emerged as a vital lifeline, spending over $4 million to purchase and process 1.3 million pounds of locally caught fish for donation to schools and food banks. This initiative has successfully provided more than 1.8 million meals to those in need, with over 200,000 meals distributed last year alone. The program not only supports local fishermen, who have faced plummeting prices, but also introduces fish to students who may not typically consume it. Mary Emerson, the nutrition director at Westbrook High School, highlights how the program alleviates financial concerns associated with serving fish, allowing schools to focus on recipe development instead. Additionally, the Gulf of Maine Research Institute offers training for food service staff to enhance their skills in preparing seafood. As the program continues, it aims to cultivate a new generation of seafood consumers while bolstering the local fishing economy.