Garrison-Pilcher Elementary School Principal Amy Tyson and science teacher Jessica Duncan show off the initial harvest of radishes from the raised-bed gardens made possible through a $5000 grant from the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program. 

Duncan teaches science to all Garrison-Pilcher students on a rotating specials schedule.  Duncan plans her lessons from a standards-based curriculum, and the new gardens increase the hands-on experiences for the students.

“We have just finished planting from seed in our classes,” said Duncan. “The items that are being harvested now were planted earlier so that the students could see the results.”

Garrison-Picher was nominated by 3G Farms of Thomas County.  Trey, Brent, and Pat Griffin of 3G Farms made the nomination in the honor of Charlie Griffin, Jr. who passed away in 2018. 

“Who knows, maybe this will inspire a few new farmers for our area in the future,” added Duncan.

The America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, sponsored by the Bayer Fund, is a singular effort seeking to give $5,000 grants to a variety of rural nonprofits, education efforts, and rural initiatives in a streamlined way.

Each year, eligible farmers enroll for a chance to support a rural nonprofit organization with an America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation.  Since 2010, the program has awarded over $65 million to nonprofits, schools, and agricultural youth organizations across rural America. From 3D printers and STEM education for small schools, to funding food banks in underserved areas, the America’s Farmers programs help lift up and support rural communities, one grant at a time.

“These beds offer the opportunity for growing vegetables and fruits all year, and I’m excited to offer foods for students to try that they would not have if we weren't growing them ourselves,” said Duncan.