USDA seeks small-business bids for Alaska pollock and catfish for food aid

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is taking bids to supply about 1.7 million pounds of Alaska pollock for domestic food assistance programs, part of a purchase that also includes 230,000 pounds of catfish.

Bids are due Nov. 12, according to the federal contract notice from USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service. Part of the purchase is set aside for small businesses. USDA hasn't released an estimated value.

USDA bought more than $204 million in pollock and salmon in 2023 for schools, food banks and other food-aid programs, according to the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute. In January 2025, USDA announced a purchase of up to $50 million of Alaska pollock.

Bids must go through USDA's online supply chain system. The agency's solicitation lists a 1 pm Central time deadline, while the federal notice lists 2 pm.