Hannaford seafood dish aids area fishing economy, food insecurity

Hannaford Supermarkets wants to put a monkfish in every pot to benefit the local fishing community — and fellow Mainers coping with food insecurity.

Scarborough, Maine-based Hannaford, part of Ahold Delhaize USA, is partnering with the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association (MCFA), a nonprofit that supports the state’s fishermen and sustainable fisheries, to bring a new stew featuring a sustainable and local — but often overlooked — fish to the table in southern Maine.

Maine Coast Monkfish Stew, which combines monkfish with locally sourced vegetables in a light, creamy base and a touch of spice, is available in Hannaford stores throughout southern Maine, including Falmouth, Kennebunk, North Windham, Yarmouth and York, with expansion to more stores planned.

The stew blends monkfish with locally sourced vegetables in a light, creamy base and a touch of spice.

Proceeds will go toward the purchase of fresh, locally caught fish that will be donated to area food pantries to help combat food insecurity as part of the Fishermen Feeding Mainers Program.

“Hannaford is excited to introduce this locally sourced and prepared stew to our customers this summer,” Nathan Jewell, seafood category manager at Hannaford, said in a statement. “In addition to featuring fresh, sustainably harvested monkfish caught right here on the Maine coast, the stew includes local products such as Maine potatoes, carrots, cream and lobster stock.

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“Offering locally sourced, sustainable products is a win-win for the Maine economy and our shoppers,” Jewell noted. “We encourage customers who have not yet discovered monkfish to try this new stew while knowing their purchase supports both our local fishermen and community members in need.”

Frequently found in New England’s coastal waters, the monkfish used in the new dish is cut by Free Range Fish in Portland, Maine, and the stew is cooked and packaged by Hurricane’s Premium Soups and Chowders in Greene, Maine.

Hurricane’s Premium Soups and Chowders in Greene, Maine, cooks and packages the stew, which it expects to appeal to those who haven't tried monkfish.

“This appetizing dish features a dynamic and complex flavor profile that even those who have never tried monkfish will enjoy,” according to Phil Wilbur of Hurricane’s Premium Soups and Chowders.

MCFA launched the Fishermen Feeding Mainers Program during the COVID-19 pandemic to combat food insecurity in local communities.

“Introducing Maine Coast Monkfish Stew to a retail market allows us to create a revenue stream back to the Fishermen Feeding Mainers Program,” MCFA Executive Director Ben Martens commented. “Additionally, the stew is a way for us to introduce consumers to a local and sustainably sourced seafood choice largely unfamiliar to them and to support Maine’s fishermen.”

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The charitable program has benefited Bath Area Food Bank, Harrison Food Bank, St. Luke’s Food Pantry, Sacred Heart Food Pantry, Good Shepherd Food Bank, Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program and numerous other programs serving children.

Since its launch in 2020, the Fishermen Feeding Mainers program has provided more than 400,000 meals throughout the Pine Tree State.                                                              

Overall, Hannaford operates 184 supermarkets in Maine, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont.