Let me introduce you to Fred Stone, one of the hardest-working people I have ever met in my entire life.  He and his wife Laura own and operate Stoneridge Farm, a small dairy farm in Arundel, Maine.  The farm has been operated by Fred's family for over 100 years.

In November 2016, it was discovered that Fred's land and groundwater were both contaminated with chemicals called PFAS - Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances - also known as "Forever Chemicals" for their ability to not degrade.  PFAS are used in many different household products such as nonstick cookware, stain-resistant carpeting, and even weather-resistant clothing.  PFAS have been manufactured by many different chemical companies, including 3M, Dupont, and Corning.

Because both the land and groundwater at the farm were contaminated due to a paper mill waste and municipal sludge spreading program in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, Fred's cows ingested these chemicals and became contaminated as well, causing them to produce milk which was also contaminated.  Since this unfortunate discovery, they have not been able to sell their milk and have been struggling financially, often relying on friends and family to just pay their bills.  Not to mention the fact that the contamination has led to health problems for Fred and Laura themselves as well as their son and daughter.

Fred and Laura recently requested aid from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency, but those requests have been denied.  And no other agency at the state or federal level has been able to help.

Fred and Laura are amazing people who wanted to believe they could recover from this tragedy.  But the fact is, they desperately need help.  Anything you are able to offer would be an incredible blessing to them in these tremendously tough times.