The Maryland Department of General Services (DGS)—in partnership with the departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources—has awarded contracts to Jessup-based Reliant Fish Co. and Congressional Seafood Co. for a program that will create sales of Maryland-harvested blue catfish to state institutions providing food services. The program also helps the state reduce the blue catfish’s negative impact on the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay ecosystems by creating a reliable market for the non-native species.
“This successful collaboration between our state agencies has provided state institutions with an additional protein option for their facilities,” said DGS Secretary Ellington E. Churchill, Jr. “The Department of General Services continues to be a conduit of achieving goods and services for the best interest of the state of Maryland.”
State institutions including correctional facilities, higher education institutions, hospitals, public schools, etc. will be able to purchase cases of blue catfish directly from Maryland Correctional Enterprises (MCE)—a program within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DCPCS) that aims to provide structured employment and training to offenders in order to improve future employability and reduce recidivism.
“This is such a big win all around for our department,” said DPSCS Secretary Stephen Moyer. “Not only do we provide work for our inmates through our industry arm at MCE to distribute the fish but those in our custody get tasty food with the nutrition they need.”I foresee a lot of catfish fritters on the menu at state institutions.
In addition, the new statewide contract can be used by Maryland counties, municipal corporations, and public agencies to meet their food service needs. One case of blue catfish contains 40 pieces of four-ounce portions. This allows food service managers to provide their clients with a tasty, local protein option. . .
Wombat-socho has Rule 5 Sunday: Happy Birthday, Alysha Nett! out and about.
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