Brown County farmer directs $2,500 to St. Michael Parochial School through America's Farmers Grow Communities

Community gardens are more than an excellent source of fresh produce. They also bring neighbors closer together and teach the community about agriculture. St. Michael Parochial School realizes the benefits of community gardens and will now be able to begin work on one thanks to a local farmer and America’s Farmers Grow CommunitiesSM.

Grow Communities gives farmers the opportunity to win $2,500 for their favorite local nonprofit organizations. Joni Fussnecker was the winning farmer in Brown County, and she has chosen to direct the donation to St. Michael Parochial School.  

“My children as well as my husband attended St. Michael Parochial School,” Fussnecker said. “They are always in need of extra funds, and I’m thrilled to be able to help them in this way!”

The organization will use the $2,500 to begin work on a school/community garden. The garden will supply the school cafeteria with fresh produce while teaching the students how to grow their own food.

“Our faculty, staff, parents, and students are all very excited to get started on this project,” said Sister Carol Ann Mause, principal. “This garden will benefit our entire community, in addition to being a fun way to learn.”

In a ceremony held on Mar. 16 at St. Michael Parochial School, Joni Fussnecker got the chance to present the school with the $2,500 donation.

Through America’s Farmers Grow Communities:

• Farmers in 1,245 eligible counties have the chance to win $2,500 for their favorite community nonprofit organizations.

• The Monsanto Fund has invested more than $3.1 million to rural communities this year alone.

• Farmers in 64 Ohio counties are eligible. The Monsanto Fund will invest $160,000 in those communities.

• A list of all winners and more information can be found at www.growcommunities.com.

Grow Communities is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund to invest in farm communities such as Brown County. It aims to highlight the important contributions farmers such as Joni Fussnecker make every day to our society.

About the Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the farm communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.