The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture has awarded 11 $500 mini-grants to communities across the nation. The grants are awarded through the Foundation's White-Reinhardt Fund for Education program.
The grants are allocated through county and state Farm Bureaus and are used to create new agricultural literacy projects or expand existing agricultural literacy efforts.
Criteria for selecting winners included: the effectiveness of demonstrating a strong connection between agriculture and education; how successfully the project enhances learner engagement in today's food, fiber and fuel systems; and the processes and timelines for accomplishing project goals.
"Through the mini-grant program, we strive to help young rural and urban students gain a better understanding of how agriculture plays a vital role in their everyday lives," said Julie Tesch, executive director of the Foundation. Farm Bureau members share free educational resources with educators in their communities as part of the program.
The White-Reinhardt Fund for Education is a project of the Foundation in cooperation with the American Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee. The fund honors two former committee chairwomen, Berta White and Linda Reinhardt, who were trailblazers in early national efforts to expand the outreach of agricultural education and improve agricultural literacy.
2016 Mini-Grants Awarded to State and County Farm Bureaus:
Butler County Farm Bureau Association, Kansas
The 2nd Annual Butler County Ag Day will have increased school participation from diverse populations. Students will learn about agriculture and receive the "Corn in the Story of Agriculture" book and accompanying educator guide.
Cherokee County Farm Bureau, Georgia
Introduction of hydroponics in the classroom at Cherokee Charter Academy. Parents, Farm Bureau volunteers and master gardeners will aid students with crop cultivation. At the end of the growing season, vegetables will be donated to a food pantry.
Colorado Farm Bureau, Colorado
Introduction of the "Farm in a Box" kit to urban schools in Denver.
Cook County Farm Bureau, Illinois
Accurate Ag Books for teachers who participate in the Cook County Farm Bureau's spring garden workshop. Teachers will receive books that connect agriculture to school gardening.
Cuyahoga County Farm Bureau, Ohio
Hosting farm tours for school-age children to learn about livestock care and growing grain crops. Accurate Ag Books and Ag Mags will be provided to students.
Franklin County Farm Bureau, Illinois
Creation of a container garden project for students in grades 2-6 through the Franklin County Agriculture in the Classroom program. Participating classrooms will receive "Earth Boxes" and supplies, along with Accurate Ag Books.
Greensville County Farm Bureau, Virginia
Creation of the "Renewable Energy Challenge," a student-driven unit with an interdisciplinary approach. Students will create models demonstrating how energy can be harnessed from the wind, sun and water for use in agriculture.
Greenwood County Farm Bureau Association, Kansas
This year's Greenwood County Ag day will have increased school participation. Students will learn about agriculture and receive the "Beef Cattle in the Story of Agriculture" book and accompanying educator guide.
Houston County Farm Bureau, Georgia
Extension of a month-long poultry project at Morningside Elementary. With the use of a chicken coop, students will learn about embryology, caring for chickens, and egg and chicken production.
Lawrence County Farm Bureau, Tennessee
Students will learn about food resources in their community and healthy eating through a cooking club. The goal is for children to share with their families how to prepare easy, healthy meals while learning about careers in horticulture and agriculture.
Mercer County Farm Bureau, Illinois
Creation of a "Day on the Farm" traveling unit will provide a hands-on approach to activities such as gathering eggs, milking cows and planting a garden.