From the Chesapeake Bay to Your Cafeteria Tray
Posted On October 8, 2026
Earlier this week, Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks joined Board of Education members, Superintendent Thomas Taylor, Department of Food and Nutrition Services staff and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School students and staff to showcase a locally sourced menu item, Chesapeake Blue Catfish. The Department of Food and Nutrition Services began serving the protein-packed catfish sandwiches in schools this year.
At elementary schools, the Catfish Cake is topped with a house made pineapple salsa, and served with mac and cheese. At secondary schools, the Catfish Cake Sandwich is served with lettuce, tomato and a housemade chipotle ranch on a whole grain bun. Families can always check out their school’s menus on MealViewer.
Blue catfish are an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay, where they prey on native fish, crabs and other aquatic life. Removing more blue catfish from the Bay is an important part of managing their ecological impact — and creating a strong market for this locally caught fish gives Maryland watermen an economic incentive to harvest more of them.
Watch the video.
