Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 19 A U G U S T 1 9 , 2 0 2 4 F O C U S G R E AT E R B A N G O R / N O R T H E R N M A I N E it came out of the well. e filter collects fish waste, which is repurposed as fertilizer on the farm. e fish and water are tested on an annual basis. Today, annual production on the farm is tens of thousands of pounds of produce and about 12,000 pounds of fish. Much of the harvest is distributed to tribal citi- zens free of charge, providing much-needed access in this remote region of Maine, much of which is a fresh food desert and transportation is a problem for many residents. "It's hard up here in the County," says Hill. "We're the last stop for the truck with the fruits and the veg- etables. Usually we get the bottom of the barrel." Additional distributions go to non-native Aroostook County food pantries through a relation- ship with the Aroostook County Action Program. "We're trying to make sure everyone has healthy foods," says Hill. Traditional foods In the past couple of years, the farm has been shar- ing produce and fish with the other tribes in Maine in conjunction with Bangor-based nonprofit Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness, which operates a 26-foot refrigerated truck as its mobile food pantry. On a monthly basis, the organization collects donated food from a variety of sources — including thousands of pounds of produce from Mi'kmaq Farms. Other sources include a Gardiner baker who provides fresh sourdough bread, seasonal produce through Unity Congratulations to These Northern Maine Businesses The following businesses in Northern Maine have recently received funding from Efficiency Maine: • Island Falls Animal Health Clinic • Northern Outdoors Inc. • Humble Comfort Food & Spirits • Grass Family Farm • C&L Aerospace • Tyler Technologies Congratulations to the recipients! Through funding from Efficiency Maine, these businesses have installed new heat pumps and/or LED lighting, and are now increasing comfort and reducing energy costs for years to come. For more information, visit efficiencymaine.com/at-work If you're interested in upgrading to energy-efficient technology, please visit the link below to learn about our enhanced incentives. C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » P H O T O / F R E D F I E L D The operation uses a recirculating system,

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