NEW BEDFORD — Atlantic Capes Fisheries, with operations in New Bedford and Fall River, has donated 10,000 pounds of restaurant-quality fish to the food banks run in both cities by Citizens for Citizens in Fall River, and PACE (People Acting in Community Endeavors) in New Bedford, according to a company press release.

The donation of yellowtail flounder, caught by Atlantic Capes boats, will help ensure that those in need in the South Coast area will have access to healthy, fresh food during the current crisis, the release said.

PACE's Executive Director Pam Kuechler has seen a significant increase in the use of their Food Bank, including families who have never reached out to a Food Bank before the coronavirus pandemic.

"We are grateful for this generous donation," Kuechler stated in the release. "We have seen our numbers skyrocket in the past few weeks. In addition to our Main Food Bank at 166 William Street, we now have a mobile food pantry to serve our most vulnerable neighborhoods."

Kuechler added that these types of donations help the food bank expand its offerings to a growing numbers of participants, and provides families with healthy options in their weekly grocery bags, "something that is critical in the middle of this health crisis," she added.

CFC has seen a similar increase in demand for its services as unemployment has increased across the region and forms of social distancing-related closures continue. They've looked to partner with local organizations and companies like ACF to meet the needs of the families who rely on its services.

"CFC has had an outpouring of support from both small and large organizations that have a deep appreciation and care for the communities we both serve every day," said Elizabeth Berube, Executive Director at CFC, in the news release. "With the joint efforts of Atlantic Capes Fisheries, Bob Vanasse of Saving Seafood, and CFC's driven Community Resources Director Chrystal Arpa, we were able to coordinate a massive donation of 4,500lbs of yellowtail flounder. Quality seafood is a rarity for our pantry, so this was a welcome treat to our pantry families."

"It's important for us, as part of the South Coast community, to support members of our community who are in need," said Jeff Bolton, CEO of Atlantic Capes Fisheries, in the news release. "We hope that this donation of fresh seafood will provide some relief to those experiencing food insecurity during this difficult time."

Both organizations are looking for donations and other support as the COVID-19 crisis continues. For more information on how to contribute to both organizations visit PACE at paceinfo.org or call 508-999-9920; and visit CFC at www.cfcinc.org or on Facebook at