AquaBounty Technologies, Inc.,a land-based salmon farming pioneer, is donating approximately 30,000 pounds of its conventional Atlantic salmon to Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana.

AquaBounty raises Atlantic salmon in carefully monitored freshwater indoor tanks at its farm in Albany, Indiana. As COVID-19 reduced the demand for salmon in the food service channel, specifically in restaurants and institutional feeding programs, AquaBounty wanted to use the excess supply to feed families affected by the pandemic and resulting economic downturn.

Over the last several weeks, AquaBounty has provided shipments of approximately 5,000-7,000 pounds of frozen Atlantic salmon fillets to the Gleaners warehouse to distribute to our agencies and on-site pantry and is expected to run through the end of June.

“We are grateful to receive this donation of salmon from AquaBounty and to work with them to provide protein-rich, healthy food to relieve hunger in our community,” said Gleaners President and CEO John Elliott. “The number of salmon being donated will allow us to provide an estimated 125,000 meals to our hungry neighbors throughout our 21-county service area.”

AquaBounty salmon are raised in land-based, freshwater tanks by a caring team of associates that carefully monitor all conditions at the farm to ensure the fish thrive. AquaBounty’s salmon are free of antibiotics and other contaminants and its farming operations represent an efficient and sustainable way to raise Atlantic salmon that is good for the fish, good for consumers and good for the planet.

“At AquaBounty, we believe in using science and technology to help feed the world and solve global problems, like food scarcity and climate change,” said AquaBounty President & CEO Sylvia Wulf. “Working with Gleaners to provide healthy Atlantic salmon that is a safe, secure and sustainable source of healthy protein to those in need, allows us to share the seafood we love, while leaving our world a better place.”

Sarah Wilson, RDN, Nutrition Manager at Gleaners noted that salmon is a great protein choice, particularly for those looking to improve heart health. “Salmon is rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, high in B vitamins, and an excellent source of Potassium. It also includes amino acids that have been shown to positively affect mood and sleep cycles, and is a good source of iron as well.”

Scarcity of food knows no boundaries in America and the need has been further exasperated by the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. Hunger impacts thousands of people daily in our communities, and over a million people in Indiana. Through collaboration and partnerships, and the generosity of donations, we can make a difference.

Visit gleanersnutritionhub.org for more information on the benefits of salmon, recipes and more.