Spring is in full swing, and across all of our programs we’re seeing the power of community in action—from fields and farms to classrooms and coastal conversations. This month’s updates highlight the incredible momentum building as we grow food, expand education, and strengthen regional partnerships.
And one fun ask for our community—SouthCoast Almanac’s “Best of” voting is now open! If you’ve enjoyed our Boogie at the Bog event, we’d love your support. Cast your vote for us under Best of… Gala before May 16th and help us spread the word about this special celebration.
Celebrating Transitions & New Beginnings
We extend a heartfelt thanks to Liz Russell for seven years of meaningful contributions to the Marion Institute. Liz will be stepping into an exciting new chapter and we wish her all the best in the adventures ahead.
At the same time, we’re delighted to share that Heather Zine has been promoted to Development Associate. Heather’s dedication and passion have already made a strong impact, and we look forward to all that’s ahead in her new role.
A coalition advancing regional food security through equity and sustainable systems
Left to Right: Dale Leavitt – Blue Stream Shellfish, LLC, Matt Camisa – Division of Marine Fisheries, Representative Mark Sylvia – 10th Bristol, Liz Wiley – Executive Director of The Marion Institute
Aquaculture Luncheon Brings Regional Leaders Together
Thank you to everyone who joined us on April 14 at the New Bedford Ocean Economy Conference Series for the Aquaculture Luncheon. Hosted at the Waypoint Event Center, the gathering brought together regional leaders, advocates, and community members to learn more about the Aquaculture Policy Coalition and its efforts to advance coordinated, sustainable aquaculture policy across our region.
The conversation highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and thoughtful policy in supporting a resilient blue economy. We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many engaged partners and look forward to continuing this important work together.
Thank you to our partners
Farming, harvesting, & gleaning fresh produce to feed our neighbors in need
Spring is underway at Frogfoot Farm! Our beds are prepped, and the first seedlings have been planted—early signs of the season are just beginning to emerge.
We’re also preparing to expand into the North Field, where we’ll be building new agricultural soil to grow more crops. As part of this effort, we’re relocating native plants to the berms in our South Field to preserve and support local biodiversity.
A big thank you to Blue Cross Blue Shield for volunteering with us – they did a great job broad forking and helping transplant barberry, a hardy coastal plant that will continue to thrive in its new home.
We’re excited to watch this next phase of growth take shape in the weeks ahead!
Harvesting surplus crops, feeding neighbors, and building community across Southeastern Massachusetts
Our Fields to Families program is off to a strong start this season—turning surplus harvests into real meals for our community.
We recovered an incredible 1,250 lbs of potatoes from Ferolbink Farms—harvested and delivered in just 2 hours. That’s the equivalent of 3,774 servings, now nourishing families through the Boys & Girls Club of Fall River and Citizens for Citizens food pantry.
We also ventured to Heart Beets Farm, where just two volunteers harvested 35 lbs. of fresh spinach (129 servings!) in only a couple of hours—the greens were quickly delivered to the Freetown Regional Food Pantry.
From over a thousand pounds recovered in a single morning to small but mighty volunteer efforts, it all adds up to meaningful impact. Join us in the fields and be part of getting fresh, local food to families who need it most.
Farm-to-school program promoting health, sustainability, equity, and ecological literacy
Growing into Fall River
Grow Education continues to build momentum—both in classrooms and beyond. Next school year, we’re expanding into Fall River Public Schools, a district serving over 10,000 PK–12 students, with plans to establish gardens at James Tansey Elementary, Samuel Watson School, and Westall Elementary.
We’re kicking things off now with Fall River’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) students, who are currently building the raised garden beds—creating hands-on learning spaces where fresh food will soon grow.
Special Shoutouts
For the first time, seedlings for Grow Education’s gardens have been started by our Frogfoot Farm team on-site at Eva’s in South Dartmouth—an exciting step in integrating our programming. New Bedford Public Schools will continue sourcing transplants from our friends at Ivory Silo Farm, keeping strong ties to local agriculture.
And in Westport, we’re grateful to Lee’s Market for once again bringing the Vertigreen experience directly to the students.
A huge thank you to our incredible local partners—Coast of Maine (Growing Good program), Ace Hardware, and Aubuchon Hardware—for supporting our soil fertility plan and donating compost, tools, and garden supplies that keep our outdoor classrooms thriving.
Craft a meaningful legacy through the Marion Institute’s Legacy Society with planned gifts, impacting our mission in perpetuity.
If you’ve designated a planned gift, or have questions about our Legacy Society, please reach out at legacy@marioninstitute.org or 508-748-0816, ext. 118.
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