Garrison-Pilcher Elementary School has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program.
According to Principal Amy Tyson, the funds will be spent building raised-bed gardens that will be used by the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) “specials” elective classes. Materials used to build the containers, soil, plants, and tools will all be covered by the grant.
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. Trey and Brent are the sons of Charlie and Pat, who were married for 40 years. Charlie farmed his entire life except for the time he served in the United States Army. The Griffins are fifth generation Thomas County farmers and farm approximately 1500 acres of primarily cotton and peanuts.
STEM teacher Jessica Duncan teaches all Garrison-Pilcher students on a rotating specials schedule. Duncan plans her lessons from a standards-based curriculum, and the new gardens will increase the hands-on experiences for the students.
“Children love getting their hands dirty," said Duncan. "I think they will love their garden!”
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.
The Bayer Fund believes local farmers know best which institutions and programs in their communities deserve funding, so they partner with them to direct the grant money (www.americasfarmers.com).
“Who knows, maybe this will inspire a few new farmers for our area in the future,” said Duncan.
Each year, eligible farmers enroll for a chance to support a rural nonprofit organization with an America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation. Since 2010, 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 will 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,” addedDuncan.