Rhode island community seafood donation program - the seafood donation program conducted by the commercial fisheries center of rhode island (cfcri) connects fresh, nutritious, and local-caught seafood…

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families awarded the Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island, Inc. $300,000 on August 31, 2026, under the Social Services Research and Demonstration program (CFDA 93.647).

The award funds the Rhode Island Community Seafood Donation Program, which connects fresh, locally-caught seafood to Rhode Islanders experiencing food insecurity. The program purchases seafood directly from Rhode Island fishermen and seafood businesses at fair market prices, particularly for species with limited local markets. Funding supports staff coordination of seafood pickups and deliveries, transportation expenses, distribution supplies and equipment, and educational strategies. Seafood is distributed through a network of community-based organizations, many located in Rhode Island's urban core. The funding enables the program to expand reach and serve additional community members.

Performance period runs through August 30, 2027, with all work conducted in Rhode Island.

Rhode island community seafood donation program - the seafood donation program conducted by the commercial fisheries center of rhode island (cfcri) connects fresh, nutritious, and local-caught seafood to rhode islanders experiencing food insecurity. Through this work, cfcri has built a collaborative network of mission-aligned nonprofits and community-based organizations. Local fishermen are paid fair market price for local-caught species that may have limited local markets. Seafood is then distributed through a network of community-based organizations, many located in RI's urban core. Funding will allow cfcri to amplify the program reach and serve new community members. Program operation funds are needed to purchase local seafood directly from RI seafood businesses and fishermen, cover staff time to coordinate seafood pick UPS and deliveries, cover a portion of transportation expenses, build upon education strategies, and to purchase supplies and equipment for distribution.