$343K grant to support Ecology School operation, training and food distribution
Photo / Courtesy, Photography for the People
A federal grant will support the expansion of the Ecology School’s agroecology production fields, shown here in an aerial photo.
The Ecology School in Saco will expand its “agroecology” farming operations as well as its education, apprenticeship and food distribution programs, thanks to a federal grant of $343,000.
The three-year award comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grants program.
“During this next decade it will be crucial that our regional and national food systems become more climate-smart and work to support local communities, conservation and to address hunger,” said Drew Dumsch, the school’s president and CEO.
The school is located on the 313-acre River Bend Farm at 184 Simpson Road.
As part of its mission, it distributes fresh food to Saco and Biddeford middle school students in partnership with Youth Full Maine, a Biddeford nonprofit working to diminish food insecurity in York County through in-school food pantries and mobile free food distributions. The Ecology School and Youth Full Maine have worked together since 2022.
“Being able to get fresh, locally grown produce into the hands of students is the best way to foster lifelong education about and appreciation for nourishing food ingredients," said Katie Brown, Youth Full Maine’s executive director.
The school is an environmental living and learning center for children and adults. It provides hands-on exploration of Maine’s ecosystems, sustainable living practices, direct connection to food systems and farming, and models of conservation-in-action.
Selected from over 620 applicants, the school was one of 17 national grant recipients in the program this year, receiving a total of $5.2 million. The school is Maine’s first recipient in the program.
“This investment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will foster an appreciation for smart, sustainable farming and production practices,” said U.S. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine. “It also represents an evolution in how we address food insecurity.”
The grant will also help the school to expand its "agroecology" farming operations, which will include installation of a food forest. Agroecology is a holistic approach to growing, distributing,and preparing food using climate-smart solutions based on natural systems, according to the school’s website.
The goal is to advance healthy and resilient communities by building deep relationships between plants, animals, humans and the environment while ensuring social equity through sustainable, accessible and fair food systems.
“Food forests” support forest ecosystems and connect communities with nature, with trees that produce nuts and fruit; shade that can support a mushrooms, herbs and berries; and the ability to improve air quality and retain water, according to the USDA.
“This funding will enhance sustainable regional food production, support local farming, and address hunger in Maine,” U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine 1st District. “Their work to increase food grown within the community, strengthen workforce training and provide fresh food to local schools is a win all around.”
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