Rising Costs Hit Friday Fish Fry Traditions

Liberty Check

• Bulk buyers like churches face steeper seafood costs this Lent.
• Cod and shrimp demand surges, but supply is tight and prices climb.
• Operators adapt menus to balance tradition and affordability.

Americans observing Lent see traditional fish fries squeezed by ongoing price increases for cod and shrimp, as inflation and supply changes persist.

Seafood prices are being driven higher by supply limits, trade shifts, and unrelenting operational expenses, disproportionately impacting bulk buyers and communities focused on faith-based gatherings.

“Lent is one of the most important seasonal demand drivers of the year for seafood,” said Mark Frisch, executive at Beaver Street Fisheries.

Frozen seafood rose 8.4% over the past year, with cod and shrimp up even more, making it tougher to afford this staple of faith and community.

Frisch emphasized, “When supply narrows in a core species like cod, you feel it across the market.”

Churches, restaurants, and local organizations purchasing seafood in quantity report even sharper price spikes, with some paying double for what used to be affordable cod.

Alternatives like pollock and haddock offer some relief, but the pressure on tradition and local cuisine remains real for Americans committed to observing Lent without breaking the bank.

Chef Darin Leonardson notes, “Seafood can still be an affordable protein, especially compared to beef, but it really depends on the species and portion.”

Despite these challenges, operators and families are seeking creative solutions—smart purchasing and menu flexibility—to keep Friday fish fries alive and accessible.

Our freedoms depend on staying vigilant.

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