$343K grant to support Ecology School operation, training and food distribution

Mainebiz - 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. 

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