A complement to National Seafood Month, National Pescatarian Month in October celebrates and promotes healthy diets centered around fish and shellfish plus vegetables.

Reston, Va. — Healthy, versatile, delicious, easy and satisfying, it’s no wonder why a growing number of Americans are embracing pescatarian diets that are focused on fish, seafood and vegetables. This October, the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) is once again celebrating healthy pescatarian lifestyles with its fourth annual National Pescatarian Month, including recipes, cooking tips, nutrition information and more on the institute’s award-winning blog, Dish on Fish.

“One thing I love to encourage folks to do during National Pescatarian Month is to stop thinking about seafood as a special-occasion dish and start thinking about it as a convenience food: always on hand and able to be bought in bulk,” said Chef Barton Seaver, one of the world’s leading sustainable seafood experts and cookbook authors. “Frozen seafood is now comparable to the best options at the fresh fish counter, so you can stock up for easy weeknight meals — no special occasion required. Look for inspiration in ‘Everyday Seafood Recipes,’ the e-cookbook from Dish on Fish, in October and all year long.” 

National Pescatarian Month is designed to celebrate those who have adopted a healthy pescatarian diet and lifestyle, as well as to encourage everyone to make room on their menus for more seafood. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend consuming at least two to three seafood meals a week, either at home or in restaurants, and one goal of National Pescatarian Month is to help bolster efforts already underway by retailers, foodservice operators and brands as part of the existing National Seafood Month, also in October.

“I am so excited for people to experience the new recipes we’ve added to our popular e-cookbook as they look for inspiration during National Pescatarian Month,” said Rima Kleiner, a registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist who keeps Dish on Fish stocked with delicious recipes, easy meal planning tips, nutritional information and relatable health news. “From sheet pan crab nachos to juicy shrimp po’ boy burgers, we dish up nutritious and delicious recipes on Dish on Fish that will satisfy pescatarians, omnivores and everyone in between.”

Added Brandon F. Phillips, Vice President of External Affairs and Councils at NFI: “We’ve tried to make it easier than ever for people to ‘Go Pescatarian,’ between simply amazing recipes and valuable nutritional information on Dish on Fish, the sponsor of National Pescatarian Month. What’s more, we’re using a QR code this year so people can download our e-cookbook with one touch from any mobile device.”

To learn more about Dish on Fish and National Pescatarian Month, visit dishonfish.com or head to its Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram pages.

###

About National Pescatarian Month

National Pescatarian Month is recognized each October in celebration of Pescatarians and the Pescatarian Diet. This officially designated holiday embraces the health and lifestyle advantages of choosing a pescatarian diet, which consists of seafood and vegetarian options. The holiday encourages consumers to “Go Pescatarian” in October, with a goal of eating at least two to three seafood meals a week, whether enjoyed at a restaurant or prepared at home. National Pescatarian Month is sponsored by the National Fisheries Institute (NFI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to education about seafood safety, sustainability and nutrition. To learn more about National Pescatarian Month, visit NFI’s Dish on Fish blog.

About the National Fisheries Institute

The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to education about seafood safety, sustainability and nutrition. From seagoing vessels to favorite seafood restaurants, the NFI’s diverse member companies bring delicious fish and shellfish to American families. The NFI promotes the federal government’s Dietary Guidelines, which suggest that Americans include fish and shellfish in their diets at least twice per week for longer, healthier lives. The NFI and its members are committed to sustainable management of our oceans and to being stewards of our environment through the NFI’s embrace of the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Fisheries. The NFI believes the investment it makes in the world’s oceans today will provide our children and future generations the health benefits of a plentiful supply of fish and other seafood tomorrow. From responsible aquaculture and a marketplace supporting free trade to ensuring consumers and the media have the facts about the health benefits of fish and shellfish, the NFI and its members support and promote sound public policy based on ground-truth science.