For the City Times

PINE GROVE/BANCROFT – Zach Mykisen, a local farmer, directed a $2,500 donation to the Bancroft-Pine Grove Fire Department as part of the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund.

As part of their mission, the Bancroft-Pine Grove Fire Department used the funds to purchase three, 7” rear viewing cameras for their apparatus. The department also purchased fire education and safety materials for their annual Halloween Open House.

“We can’t put into words how honored we were to be nominated by Zach,” said Michael Phillips, Sr., Bancroft-Pine Grove Fire Department Chief. “We would like to thank him for taking the time to apply on behalf of our department. This award meant three pieces of relatively expensive equipment and our yearly fire and safety education expenses do not have to be purchased out of pocket.”

Since the program began in 2010, the Grow Communities program has partnered with farmers to support nonprofit organizations important to them in their local communities. The program has given more than $29 million to farming communities since its inception, including more than $3 million in 2018.

Each year, farmers enter for a chance to direct a $2,500 donation to a nonprofit they care about in their community. The organizations reflect the makeup and character of rural America, including emergency response organizations, schools, youth agriculture programs, food banks and many others.

“Farmers play a pivotal role in rural communities, and through their commitment to the Grow Communities program, we are able to provide the monetary support these nonprofit organizations need to make an impact,” said Al Mitchell, Monsanto Fund President. “We’re proud to play a part in helping these rural communities grow and thrive.”

To see if a nonprofit in your local community is a 2018 America’s Farmers Grow Communities recipient, visit www.GrowCommunities.com. You can also learn more about the Grow Communities program by checking out Facebook.com/AmericasFarmers.

Bullet Points:

• Each year, the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program partners with local farmers to provide grants to local nonprofits.
• Grow Communities, which is sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, provides farmers the opportunity to support and give back to nonprofit organizations they care about in their local communities by enrolling for a chance to direct a $2,500 donation to a nonprofit of their choice.
• Since 2010, the Grow Communities program has given more than $29 million to nonprofits across rural America.