Seafood is delicious. But much of what makes it to the Midwest isn't as fresh as we think it is.
Combine that with the fact that the industrial fishing industry has a history of leaving destruction in its wake. Environmental considerations sit side-by-side with the need for fair, safe working conditions for fishermen and traceability for the seafood itself. All of these things create a conundrum for food lovers who’d like to eat delicious food while also supporting a fair, just food system.
This week on FoodCrush, we’re chatting with Nic Mink, Wisconsin native and co-founder of Sitka Salmon Shares, a company which delivers Alaskan seafood straight to Midwestern doorsteps through its community supported fishery program (CSF). It’s an operation which has not only made fresh, ocean-caught seafood available to non-coastal residents, but which has dedicated itself not only to supporting the livelihoods of small boat fishermen, but also to responsible harvesting and traceability.
During the episode, Mink shares the origin story of Sitka Salmon Shares, some of the secrets behind its ultra-fresh sustainable seafood and how their model of operations helps small fishermen make a good living. Along the way, we discuss the journey seafood takes to the Midwest, the reasons why most seafood flown cross-country is less-than fresh and why equality and social justice matter – not only in the fishing industry – but in our world at large.
Listen in!
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Got an idea for a topic we should consider for FoodCrush? Want to offer feedback on our latest episode? Email me at lori@staff.onmilwaukee.com. You can also give @FoodCrushPod a follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for additional tidbits, live tastings and more.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
