Community Offshore Wind partners with fisheries to donate fresh seafood

Community Offshore Wind is teaming up with local fisheries and hunger relief organizations to deliver thousands of fresh seafood meals to families in need across Long Island, including Long Beach, this fall.

“Commercial fishing is an important industry for New York’s long-term economic growth, and it is critical that offshore wind developers work closely with fishermen to ensure their projects share the waters off our coast effectively,” Steven Wong, owner of Aqua Best Seafood Market, said. “By working with us to purchase the fish for these donations directly from regional fishermen, Community Offshore Wind has shown that they are serious about supporting the industry and delivering clean energy in a way that will not negatively impact our marine ecosystem.”

The goal is to address food insecurity, affecting over 221,000 residents on Long Island while supporting the local fishing industry. Recently, Community Offshore Wind donated 300 pounds of fresh pollock fillets and 600 cans of clam chowder to Island Harvest Food Bank. In collaboration with Circulo De La Hispanidad, an additional 240 pounds of scup and 120 cans of clam chowder were distributed to Long Beach community members. The seafood provided comes from sustainably harvested sources.

“We are pleased to partner with Community Offshore Wind to provide hundreds of pounds of fresh fish to people on Long Island who face the daily challenge of not having enough to eat,” Randi Shubin Dresner, president and CEO of Island Harvest Food Bank, said. “The growing public health crisis of food insecurity affects more than 221,000 of our neighbors on Long Island, and this generous donation will help ensure that families get the healthy food they need while supporting our local fishing industry.”

This donation is part of a seafood donation program that has already provided fresh fish and clam chowder to Brooklyn and New Jersey families. Community Offshore Wind has contributed over 90,000 fresh meals in the past two years.

Community Offshore Wind is trying to building relationships with local fishing communities and is committed to supporting conservation and fisheries. Since 2022, the organization has engaged in various community initiatives, including providing school supplies, books, and coats for needy families.

For more information about Community Offshore Wind, visit communityoffshorewind.com.