Exploring the blue food economy

Dive into the connections between seafood, sustainability and coastal communities when the MidCoast Watersheds Council holds its June Community Meeting on Thursday, June 4.

Held in recognition of World Ocean Day, the evening presentation, “Blue Foods, Webs and Hubs: Who We Are,” features Jim King of the Central Coast Food Web discussing the growing role of local food hubs, fisheries and the Blue Economy along the Oregon Coast.

The talk will highlight the food web’s 100 Percent Fish Initiative, which promotes full utilization of seafood resources to reduce waste and create new economic opportunities for coastal communities. Guests will also learn how regional food systems strengthen local producers and support more resilient coastal economies.

King brings decades of nonprofit and community development experience to the discussion, including work in permaculture, culinary programs, food security, youth outreach and multicultural services. Before joining the Central Coast Food Web in Newport, he developed programs supporting food banks, Meals on Wheels and at-risk kids through the If Given a Chance Foundation.

The June 4 meeting runs from 6:30 to 8 pm at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center, located at 333 SE Bay Blvd. in Newport. For more information, go to midcoastwatersheds.org.