San Diego is known for its abundance of fresh, locally caught seafood, but not everyone in the community has equal access to it. This disparity is something that Marcus Twilegar, the chef and owner of Craft Catering and a South Bay native, is acutely aware of. In low-income areas, the cost of seafood can be prohibitive, with prices as high as $19 per pound, making it out of reach for many families.
To address this issue, Twilegar collaborated with Peter Halmay, the founder of Fish to Families and president of the San Diego Fishermen’s Working Group. When the pandemic disrupted food supply chains and left fishermen with excess catch that would have otherwise gone to restaurants, Halmay saw an opportunity to redirect this seafood to those facing food insecurity. With funding from grants and donations, Fish to Families was established to provide nutritious meals to families in need and support local fishermen during the pandemic shutdowns.
Beyond addressing food insecurity, Fish to Families has evolved to include a training program for chefs. Twilegar explains that the program has connected fishermen and chefs, providing them with the tools and resources to learn how to break down different species of fish and prepare them into delicious meals. This collaboration has strengthened the relationships between fishermen and chefs, creating a positive impact on the community as a whole.
Since its inception, Fish to Families has prepared around 19,000 pounds of fish. However, four years into the program, Twilegar acknowledges that they are facing challenges, including what he refers to as donor fatigue. While a recent grant from the Parker Foundation has provided temporary support, ongoing donations through platforms like GoFundMe are crucial to sustaining the program. Twilegar emphasizes the importance of making Fish to Families financially sustainable to continue benefiting both fishermen and families in need.
The ultimate goal of Fish to Families is to create a positive impact that extends beyond just one organization. By supporting the program, individuals can contribute to a community-driven initiative that benefits everyone involved. Twilegar highlights the importance of collective support in ensuring the longevity and success of Fish to Families, emphasizing that by working together, we can all make a difference.
In addition to initiatives like Fish to Families, the San Diego food scene continues to evolve with new restaurant openings and culinary experiences. Shabu-Works, a popular shabu-shabu restaurant based in Mira Mesa, is expanding to San Marcos in September, offering guests a customizable hot pot experience with a variety of broths and protein options. Japanese fast-casual joint Pepper Lunch is also set to open multiple locations in North County, bringing their affordable and popular dining concept to San Diego.
As the food scene in San Diego continues to grow and diversify, there are plenty of exciting developments to look forward to. Whether it’s trying out new restaurants, supporting community-driven initiatives like Fish to Families, or exploring unique culinary experiences, there’s no shortage of ways to engage with and contribute to the vibrant food culture of San Diego. If you have any news or stories about the San Diego food scene, be sure to share them with us at [email protected].