Nothing is more American than hot dogs and the right to vote, Jennifer Bushman, strategic development officer for Norwegian farmed salmon supplier Kvarøy Arctic, told SeafoodSource.
That’s just one of the reasons the Norway-based supplier is giving away around 5,000 of its Salmon Hot Dogs to those waiting to vote today, 3 November – Election Day in the U.S.
With the tagline, “The Future is in Your Hands,” Kvarøy Arctic also wants voters to recognize that the future of the food supply relies on aquaculture.
“We are not politicians or policy leaders and we are not trying to be. At our core, we are farmers. And so, as we continue to support food banks nationwide, we also came together on 3 November: to feed people and keep them strong as they waited to exercise their right to vote,” Bushman said.
Additionally, the company aims to further support for its food pantry donation programs, as it supplies between 1,500 and 4,000 pounds of salmon weekly to World Central Kitchen, Rethink America, and other groups.
"In the time of this pandemic, we recognize there is a huge and growing need for nutritious food. Since March, we've actively engaged with food banks and community kitchens across the country through a robust donation program,” Bushman said. “This effort shed light on a harsh reality: our food system isn't built to support our national need for subsidized food, including fish and seafood. It was through this realization that we came up with an idea – a specific mission: educate, energize, and support voters.”
At polling locations in six cities across the U.S., team members at Kvarøy Arctic’s hot dog carts will hand out warm hot dogs and bottled water to voters waiting in line.
Kvarøy Arctic is distributing its Salmon Hot Dogs in Boston, Massachusetts; Washington D.C.; Miami, Florida; Salt Lake City, Utah; Los Angeles, California; and Oakland, California.
The company is targeting polling locations with “historically long lines, massive predicted turnouts, or limited facilities,” Bushman said. “If we were able to help alleviate the challenges of Election Day, our mission had been achieved.”
The supplier joined forces with food distributor Dole & Bailey, food trucks, restaurants, chefs, and individuals who are literally “Feeding the Vote” at the polling locations, Bushman said.
"It’s not about brand recognition, we are not trying to sell the burgers and dogs. It has to do with feeding people when they need it most,” Bushman said.
Bushman said voters are in a position to help steer and guide aquaculture’s future.
“The future is in your hands - a double entendre that means exercising your right to vote for the future you want and sustainable aquaculture’s place in the future of our food system,” she said.
Photo courtesy of Kvarøy Arctic.
