SKOWHEGAN – The Kneading Conference recently received a $7,500 grant from the Western Mountains Fund of the Maine Community Foundation to support its second annual conference on Aug. 1 and 2.

Professional and home bakers, farmers, millers, oven builders and innovative community members are invited to participate in hands-on demonstrations and lectures on progressive ideas in the art of wood-fired bread baking and food production, local grain growing and milling and oven building.

“Grant support from the Maine Community Foundation will enable the conference to expand its outreach to work study participants and Maine farmers through scholarships to attend the two-day conference and field sessions,” said planning committee member Amber Lambke. “Funds will also be used to offer educational outreach to the local community, including a hands-on demonstration and tasting’ reception.”

The idea for the kneading conference came last year when a group of community members, oven builders, millers and bakers got the idea of producing a staple food item, bread, in a completely local process.