Farm Bureau offers grants to schools, Oct. 18 deadline

Small-scale gardening and large-scale farming have much in common, and Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Learning from the Ground Up program helps students make that connection.

The program grants up to $500 to a teacher or administrator from a public or private Texas school. The program funds activities that help students understand the source of their food, fiber and fuel and gain a greater knowledge and appreciation of Texas agriculture.

“We need students to have a deeper appreciation for how their food is grown and for the people who grow it,” Chet Creel, Young County Farm Bureau president, said. “This program can help our teachers bring agricultural concepts to life in their classroom.”

Parent-teacher associations and other organizations are open to apply as long as students are involved in the project from beginning to end.

Qualifying projects include school gardens, raised beds, greenhouses, hydroponics, and aquaponics. These provide students with hands-on learning about agriculture and food production. “Most students learn well when all of their senses are fully engaged and school gardens can do just that,” Creel said. Applications can be submitted by mail or email and should be received by Oct. 18. Additional information and applications can be found in the Learning from the Ground Up section on www.texasfarmbureau.org/aitc.“We highly encourage educators in the area apply for this grant,” Creel said. “It’s a great opportunity for our students in Young County.” If you would like more information, please contact Chet Creel, 940-873-5888