Local farmer makes $5,000 donation possible

Kevin Green, Greensburg Daily News, Ind.
·2 min read

Jun. 18—RUSHVILLE — Local farmer Charles Smith recently directed a $5,000 Bayer Fund America's Farmers Grow Communities donation to Rush County Community Assistance, more commonly known as the food pantry.

"The RCCA Board members and volunteers are very grateful and thankful for this wonderful donation from the Bayer Foundation on behalf of Charles and Lurinda Smith, RCCA President Darilyn Bedel said. "As more and more families struggle to put food on the table due to our current economy, this donation will help the food pantry continue to provide good nutritious food to any Rush County family in need of assistance."

In 2022, Bayer Fund revamped America's Farmers Grow Communities program, making it easier for farmers across the country to find and fund the organizations and institutions that keep their communities thriving. This included doubling the individual donations to $5,000, up from $2,500 in previous years to provide a greater impact to local rural communities.

For more than a decade, Grow Communities has partnered with farmers to direct funds to programs and organizations that contribute to their communities' health and vibrancy, such as food banks, schools and youth agriculture programs. Since the America's Farmers programs began in 2010, the initiatives have awarded nearly $65 million to such programs.

"Each year we hear from several nonprofit and school leaders, as well as farmers, about the ways Grow Communities has made a difference," Al Mitchell, Bayer Fund President, said. "Bayer Fund is proud to work side-by-side with farmers to identify local nonprofit organizations and schools that are improving rural communities in the areas of health and wellness, food and nutrition, and STEM and ag education."

Farmers can enroll for the opportunity to direct a 2023 Grow Communities donation starting on August 1, 2022. To learn more about the enrollment process and how America's Farmers programs are making an impact, visit www.Americasfarmers.com.

About Bayer Fund

Bayer Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where Bayer customers and employees live and work by providing funding for food and nutrition, education and community development projects.

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