SeaShare Distributes Over 270 Million Seafood Servings to U.S. Food Banks
SeaShare, a nonprofit organization dedicated to converting fishing industry donations into nutritious meals for food banks, has provided more than 270 million seafood servings to U.S. food banks and feeding centers since its founding 31 years ago. The initiative addresses food insecurity by partnering with fishers, processors, and distribution networks to deliver fresh seafood to communities in need.
Seafood as a Critical Protein Source for Food-Insecure Families
The World Health Organization highlights the nutritional value of seafood, noting its role in improving birth outcomes during pregnancy and reducing risks of cardiovascular and neurological diseases in adults. Despite these benefits, protein donations to food banks account for only about 2 percent of total contributions, with seafood often considered a costly protein source. “Protein can be expensive, and seafood is one of the more expensive forms of protein,” said Hannah Lindoff, SeaShare’s Executive Director, in an interview with Food Tank.
Logistical Challenges in Distributing Seafood to Remote Communities
Seafood’s perishable nature requires specialized handling, prompting SeaShare to act as a bridge between fisheries and food banks. In Alaska, one of SeaShare’s key service areas, the nonprofit faces unique challenges. Lindoff explained that donations to isolated communities, such as a 30-pound box of salmon heading to an elder feeding program on an island with 65 residents, rely on partnerships with local seafood plants and freight companies. “We rely on good partners at the Alaska seafood plants and within the air or barge freight companies who take the time to do the right thing and make sure our elders get this fish,” she said.
Partnerships Expand Seafood Access Through Donated Products
Oddisea SuperFrozen, a U.S. importer and distributor of seafood, has partnered with SeaShare to donate approximately 38,000 seafood servings in 2025. The company sources high-quality seafood that cannot be commercially sold, directing it to food banks via SeaShare’s network. Nicole Candon, Director of Brand & Social Impact at Oddisea SuperFrozen, noted that the seafood is typically fully distributed within days of pickup due to its rarity.
Culturally Relevant Food Delivery to Diverse Communities
SeaShare ensures donated seafood aligns with the dietary preferences of recipient communities. In northern Washington, for example, the organization collaborated with an agency that serves a Korean community services center to distribute surimi flake, a product tailored to local tastes. “We have some surimi flake coming in so we reached out to an agency that serves a Korean community services center, so we know that this product is going to people who know how to work with it and have a real love for the item,” Lindoff said.
SeaShare’s Role in Addressing Nutritional Gaps in Food Banks
A study in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics found that the nutritional quality of donated food parcels in food banks is inconsistent, and food available at points of access like food banks often falls short of national dietary recommendations across developed countries, including the U.S. SeaShare’s focus on seafood helps bridge this gap. The nonprofit’s efforts have been recognized by food bank managers, with Lindoff describing instances where staff reported being “overcome” by the impact of donations.
Future Goals and Expansion of SeaShare’s Impact
SeaShare continues to grow its network, utilizing established shipping routes in the contiguous U.S. and adapting to the logistical demands of remote regions. With ongoing partnerships and a focus on culturally relevant distribution, the organization aims to further reduce food insecurity while promoting the health benefits of seafood. As Lindoff noted, she is happy to be part of the solution.