More than 1,200 exhibiting companies from 51 countries gathered in Boston, Massachusetts, earlier this week for Seafood Expo North America. The three-day event allowed attendees to learn about new products and equipment, network and meet with partners and key contacts.

But what happens to all that seafood at the end of the show? 

While some fish and seafood products are for display during the event and must be thrown out, there's still plenty left over after the show that is still safe for consumption. This year, Food For Free, a food rescue and redistribution nonprofit located in Somerville, Massachusetts, northwest of Boston, was able to rescue 16,000 pounds of food left over from the show. 

The organization visited the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center Tuesday (March 18) afternoon following the end of the show, where it was able to save a "healthy protein that would otherwise go to waste."

Pacific Seafoods SnoMist Catfish Nuggets rescued from Seafood Expo North America by Food For Free. Photo Credit: Food For Free

"Our team, alongside the Greater Boston Food Bank and the Salem Pantry, worked together to ensure this food stays out of landfills and instead reaches the tables of families in our community in need of nutrition support," the nonprofit shared on Facebook on Wednesday (March 19).

Food For Free shared photos of some of the seafood it was able to save to use to feed families in need. Products included Louis Kemp-brand Lobster Delights surimi, salmon skin-packs from Pier 33 and Pacific Seafoods' SnoMost Catfish Nuggets.

"With one in three Massachusetts households facing food insecurity, every pound of rescued food makes a difference," the group shared. "Together, we fight food waste and hunger!"

Pier 33 salmon products that Food For Free was able to rescue from Seafood Expo North America. Photo Credit: Food For Free