We are excited to announce that RSU 50/Southern Aroostook Community School has been awarded a 2026 Community Greenhouse Grant from the State of Maine in the amount of $50,000.
RSU 50 will purchase and install a greenhouse that will serve as a living STEM classroom and increase access to fresh produce in southern Aroostook County. Students will apply concepts in biology, chemistry, and data science while learning about crop production, soil health, food safety, water conservation, and sustainability. Produce will support the district’s monthly food pantry, student-led farmers’ markets, and, as production expands, school meal programs.
The Governor’s Community Greenhouse Grant Program builds upon a $20 million investment to strengthen farm and food processing infrastructure through the 2022 Agricultural Infrastructure Investment Program of her Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan. The Governor has consistently championed efforts to teach young people about farming and agriculture, proclaiming 2025 as the “Year of Youth in Agriculture” and highlighting youth agricultural programs like the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s 4H programs.
Community Greenhouse Grants of $15,000 to $100,000 were awarded through a competitive process for the purchase and construction of permanent greenhouses. Projects must be designed to increase local food production and access, expand agricultural and nutrition education, foster partnerships among schools, nonprofits, municipalities, and community organizations, and create lasting resources that serve residents beyond the grant period.
Read the press release from Governor Mills here: https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/governor-mills-announces-500000-grants-help-expand-local-food-production-and-agricultural