US government seeks fresh bids for catfish, salmon and Alaska pollock as school lunchrooms struggle

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a bid solicitation for canned pink salmon, catfish and more Alaska pollock to be used for the agency's National School Lunch program and other Federal Food and Nutrition Assistance Programs in several US states.

The USDA is seeking 1.6 million pounds of frozen Alaska pollock fillets and fish sticks to be distributed to programs throughout the country. Deliveries are expected for between Jan. 1 and June 31.

In August, the USDA said it was unable to fill an entire bid request for Alaska pollock due to "vendor constraints."