In advance of Earth Day, Hannaford Supermarkets last week announced a $250,000 donation to support climate-smart agriculture education at The Ecology School. The donation will support regenerative, sustainable and eco-friendly farming operations and hands-on education.

The Ecology School is located at 184 Simpson Road in Saco.

A celebration of the gift was held April 19 and featured Drew Dumsch, president and CEO, The Ecology School; George Parmenter, brand sustainability lead, Hannaford Supermarkets; Clayton Coleman, lead farm apprentice, The Ecology School; Marguerite Wiser, farm manager, The Ecology School; Katie Brown, executive director, Youth Full Maine; and students participating in The Ecology School programming.

Visitors had an opportunity to see a harvesting and planting demonstration in an education garden plot with visiting students; see examples of the healthy meals made with fresh produce and ingredients grown on-site; and tour the River Bend Farm campus.

The donation from Hannaford will support the AgroEcology for Resilient Communities Project, tthat provides regenerative agriculture learning opportunities for approximately 3,500 students throughout New England annually.

Students who visit The Ecology School engage in hands-on food systems education in the farm fields, education garden plots and greenhouse on the River Bend Farm campus. Produce grown on-site is incorporated into nutritious meals served to students during their stay, with additional fresh produce donated to local food pantries.

According to a news release, “Hannaford Supermarkets operates 185 stores in the Northeast, most with full-service pharmacies. Stores are located in Maine, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Hannaford is an active community partner — focusing on fighting hunger, supporting youth development, and helping people live healthier lives.

“Hannaford diverts or donates all food at risk of going to waste — sending no food to landfills. In 2022, Hannaford donated 25 million pounds of food to hunger relief organizations and prevented 65 million pounds of food waste from reaching landfills. Hannaford employs nearly 30,000 associates and is based in Scarborough.”

“The Ecology School,” according to the news release, “is an environmental living and learning center that inspires children and adults to think and act for building more sustainable communities by bringing people and nature together. It provides live-what-you-learn opportunities for guests and program participants through hands-on exploration of Maine’s ecosystems, sustainable living practices, direct connection to food systems and farming along with modeling conservation-in-action.

“Located on the River Bend Farm, a historic 105-acre farm on a scenic bend in the Saco River, The Ecology School hosts retreats and conferences and summer camps and school programs. River Bend Farm is a place where people of all ages will find comfortable accommodations, delicious food, and beautiful outdoor spaces to learn and explore.”

For more information, visit www.theecologyschool.org.

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