Spring 2018 White-Reinhardt Mini-Grants Awarded
Seven county Farm Bureaus have received $1,000 mini-grants for ag literacy programs through the White-Reinhardt Fund.
New for 2018, county and state Farm Bureaus may apply for $1,000 grants for education programs for grades K-12 in order to initiate new ag literacy programs or expand existing programs through the White-Reinhardt Mini-Grant Program.
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.
For the Spring 2018 cycle, seven county Farm Bureaus were awarded $1,000 mini-grants.
2018 Spring Mini-Grants Awarded
Atchison County Farm Bureau, Kansas
Creation of a school farm greenhouse for students in grades K-12. The greenhouse will provide opportunities for hands-on lessons on agriculture, science, technology, engineering, arts and math. It will also help students learn about where their food comes from, healthy eating and careers in ag.
Buchanan County Farm Bureau, Iowa
Buchanan County will use its grant to give kindergarteners hands-on experience with hatching eggs and watching chickens grow. Students will compare the lifecycles of different living things through additional readings and lessons.
Chickasaw County Farm Bureau, Iowa
This project will teach students about incubation, hatching eggs and chickens. Books and lessons will help reinforce the steps in incubation and how chickens are raised and used for production.
Florence County Farm Bureau, South Carolina
Creation of “Farmer Friday” kits for elementary schools in each of Florence County’s five school districts. These kits will contain “Farm a Month” lessons and accompanying books. Teachers will also be offered the opportunity for a “Farmer Meet & Greet” to further learning about agriculture and its importance.
Floyd County Farm Bureau, Indiana
Creation of a pollinator station, complete with a real beehive, as part of “My Little Farm” at the Floyd County 4-H Fair. My Little Farm uses a hands-on approach to teaching the public about farming, farm chores and job opportunities.
Livingston County Farm Bureau, Michigan
Creation of an Accurate Ag book library with accompanying audio CDs for Smith Elementary School’s Caliphone Spirit Listening Centers. This will provide early learners with sound information on where their food and fiber comes from.
Paulding County Farm Bureau, Georgia
A worm composting system, irrigation and grow light system for seedlings to be used in the school garden at McGarity Elementary School. This “Children’s Garden” exposes children in grades K-5, as well as their families, to Georgia agriculture and careers.
The next round of mini-grants will be available in the fall.
