In an inspiring move to combat hunger and food waste, the Food Bank of Central New York orchestrated an ambitious operation to rescue 13,000 live salmon from a closing fish farm, transforming them into much-needed meals for thousands of families. This unique project highlights the challenges and creativity involved in addressing hunger in innovative ways.
LocalCoho, a salmon farming enterprise located in Auburn, New York, faced an unexpected shutdown due to financial constraints. The company, which specialized in sustainable farming methods, found itself with 40,000 pounds of coho salmon still swimming in their expansive indoor tanks. Rather than letting these high-quality protein sources go to waste, LocalCoho turned to the Central New York food bank for a solution.
The task was daunting: transport the live salmon to a processing plant in the race against time as the farm was set to close within weeks. Brian McManus, Chief Operations Officer of the food bank, expressed both the urgency and the dedication, acknowledging the unprecedented nature of this endeavor. We knew we had the will and the expertise, McManus noted.
The logistics involved played a crucial role in ensuring the success of this mission. With the concerted effort of dedicated volunteers and company staff, the fish were efficiently netted, transported, and processed. The assistance of Brown Carbonic, a local business that provided refrigerated trucks free of charge, was instrumental in transporting the salmon to Rochester, where they were processed and quick-frozen into fillets.
Christina Hudson Kohler, a volunteer tasked with netting the salmon, expressed surprise at the unique nature of this volunteer mission compared to her previous experiences of sorting and gleaning vegetables. Her involvement exemplifies the diverse techniques applied in addressing food insecurity.
LocalCoho's willingness to collaborate with the food bank underscores a commitment to resourcefulness amid challenging circumstances. The operation reflected a shared philosophy: transforming potential loss into community gain. It’s like making lemonade out of lemons, remarked Adam Kramarsyck, LocalCoho's farm manager.
Food waste continues to be a global issue, with more than one-third of U.S.-produced food never reaching the table. By redirecting these resources, the food bank not only provides crucial nourishment to those in need but also illustrates a sustainable approach to handling surplus food.
Once processed, the salmon is expected to yield over 26,000 servings, providing hard-to-source animal protein to more than 243 food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters within the food bank's extensive network. As McManus explained, protein is a highly desirable, yet often elusive nutritional component for many families relying on food assistance.
Looking forward, this initiative may serve as a model for other organizations grappling with surplus food, demonstrating the power of community collaboration and innovative problem-solving in tackling food insecurity.
In summary, the remarkable story of the Central New York food bank and LocalCoho offers a glimpse into the potential that lies in waste redirect efforts, exemplifying how creativity and collaboration can turn challenges into plentiful outcomes. The legacy of this operation transcends the initial act of generosity, paving a path for future endeavors and sparking hope for a more sustainable future.
