About the project
Fish to Families is a meal distribution program, launched in summer 2020, meant to support local fishermen, those in hospitality, and the food insecure during the COVID-19 crisis. Fish to Families buys fish from San Diego’s fishermen and prepares it into healthy, delicious, sustainable seafood meals that are distributed to people in need.
Fish to Families is led by the San Diego Fisherman’s Working Group and Chef Phillip Esteban with his creative group Open Gym, and is funded by The San Diego Foundation. Meal distribution to those in need is supported by Father Joe's Villages, Good Neighbor Project, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Olivewood Gardens, Project New Village, and other charitable community organizations. Marine Alliances Consulting has and continues to lead efforts to find and secure financial support for the program.
California Sea Grant Extension Specialist Theresa Talley and NOAA Fisheries Biologist Sarah Shoffler have been creating educational materials that are presented with the meals meant to inform San Diegans about our local commercial fishing community and the sustainable seafood products they provide. They are also helping to track program impacts.
Fish to Families in the public eye
Sink or Swim: How San Diego's Fishing Industry Is Weathering the Pandemic Storm. Scene in San Diego Podcast Series. NBC7
Pilot Program Supports Local Fishermen and Families in Need. Eater San Diego
Together San Diego: Craft Meals. San Diego Union Tribune Community Hero Video Series.
Fishing for food security. California Sea Grant Blog.
Sunday Offering Online Church Service. First Lutheran Church.