PRODUCTION OF OPTIMAL PORTION SIZE FOR HEALTHY AFFORDABLE TILAPIA IN URBAN FOOD DESERT  

Fresh affordable quality food items are in short supply in many residential areas resulting in the development of food deserts. One representative food is fresh fish.  Virginia Cooperative Extension has focused on addressing this situation.  Production systems have been tested for Oreochromis niloticus or hybrid grown to 330 g, which supplies 100 g of edible protein per fish, a recommended serving size.  Community development groups are testing production systems.  Fish were stocked at 20 g and raised to 330 g in approximately 150 days in multiple-size greenhouse tanks.   Water temperatures were maintained above 26^o C and fish fed daily with a 36% crude protein floating pellet.  Dissolved oxygen concentrations and other water quality parameters were monitored and kept in acceptable ranges.  Bead filters or aquaponic units provided biofiltration. Settleable solids were removed and water replaced as needed.  In addition to rapid growth, local production of Oreochromis niloticus has many positives including supplying the community with a low fat, low sodium fish of known source.     

One key factor in the success of the system was the comparative low price to consumers.  Whole fish on ice were provided allowing processing to be completed by the purchaser with the cost savings.  An educational component of the system includes development and distribution of proper fish handling brochures, food preparation and cold storage.  Strict adherence to state and local regulations and required permits is necessary.