AgStar gives grant to South Central College
Farm in the City program receives $5,000
MANKATO, Minn. (May 18, 2011) – The AgStar Fund for Rural America, a corporate giving program of AgStar Financial Services, is pleased to announce that it recently awarded the North Mankato Foundation of South Central College a $5,000 grant for its Farm in the City program.
SCC will host its third Farm in the City program for children ages six to 14 this summer. Farm in the City is a week-long experiential learning camp focused on agricultural education and gardening, as well as its relevance in today’s society. The program exposes children to the history of farming, different kinds of farming, gardening, the science behind growing food, language arts skills and culinary skills.
“This is a great opportunity for SCC to connect with our community by providing ‘green’ education in a fun learning environment,” said Dr. Brian Fors, SCC’s Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “We are grateful to AgStar for its commitment to agri-science education and this special Farm in the City experience.”
The mission of Farm in the City is to educate youth about horticulture, the environment and nutrition while cultivating teamwork, community responsibility and a desire for learning while increasing opportunities for economically and academically disadvantaged youth.
“Teaching today’s youth how agriculture works and why it’s important is a passion of AgStar and we are proud to support programs like Farm in the City that achieve this goal,” said John Monson, Chair of AgStar’s Fund Board of Trustees.
Each year, from October through the end of November, the AgStar Fund for Rural America accepts grant applications for up to $10,000. Grant money is used for project or program support, technical assistance, general operating support or equipment. In 2011, AgStar awarded $91,000 to a total of 22 organizations. Since its inception in 2001, the AgStar Fund has donated more than $3 million to organizations working to improve the future of rural America.
About AgStar:
AgStar Financial Services, ACA, headquartered in Mankato, Minn., employs more than 600 full-time team members. The company is part of the national Farm Credit System and has a public mission to serve 69 counties in Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. AgStar’s industry specialization, client segments and market delivery systems result in diversification nationwide. The company has expertise in the corn, soybean, swine, dairy and bio-energy industries. AgStar has developed successful programs in loans, leases, crop insurance, tax services, accounting, consulting and rural home mortgages. As a value-added financial services cooperative, AgStar allocates patronage dividends to its more than 13,000 stockholders. Visit www.AgStar.com for more information.
Contact:
Melanie Smith
952-997-1255
Melanie.Smith@AgStar.Com
(Back to Press Releases)