ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 5, 2025) ~ Annapolis, MD - The Maryland Department of Agriculture has recently announced a significant investment of $1.9 million to support local food banks and address the issue of invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay. The funds, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service, will be used to purchase Wild Caught Chesapeake blue catfish filets and distribute them through food banks statewide.

According to Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks, this initiative will not only provide much-needed food for those facing food insecurity, but also support local seafood processors and watermen while helping to remove the non-native blue catfish from the Bay and its tributaries. "We are thrilled to once again partner with USDA on this initiative as an important tool in addressing hunger and supporting our rural maritime communities," said Secretary Atticks.

The program will run from December 2025 to December 2026, during which approximately 283,000 pounds of fish filets will be distributed through Maryland food banks. The three participating food banks - Maryland Food Bank, Capital Area Food Bank, and Western Maryland Food Bank - will receive allocated funds based on their respective needs. 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.

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Meg Kimmel, President and CEO of the Maryland Food Bank expressed her excitement about this partnership with the Department of Agriculture. "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 Kimmel.

Radha Muthiah, President and CEO of Capital Area Food Bank also shared her gratitude for this investment. "We're grateful for our enduring partnership with the Maryland Department of Agriculture. This investment, especially now, helps us provide a locally-sourced, nourishing protein in high demand to our Maryland neighbors in need," said Muthiah.

The Western Maryland Food Bank, which serves Allegany and Garrett Counties, is also grateful to be included in this partnership. "We appreciate the Maryland Department of Agriculture bringing a greatly needed protein to the food insecure in our region. It is great to work together for Marylanders," said Amy Moyer, Executive Director of the Western Maryland Food Bank.

For more information about this initiative, please contact Assistant Secretary of Marketing, Animal Industries and Consumer Services Cassie Shirk at Cassie.Shirk@Maryland.gov. This partnership between the Maryland Department of Agriculture and food banks not only addresses hunger but also supports local businesses and helps protect the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.

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