When applications closed on May 31, 2023, Peavey Industries had received more than 350+ applications from across the country for projects as diverse as our customers.
One of the three successful applicants this year was the Agriculture in the Classroom (AIC) Saskatchewan based in Saskatoon with their application to fund the School Gardens Program. AIC Saskatchewan is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to agricultural education. Every year, it inspires more than 70,000 youth in Saskatchewan to gain a deeper understanding of and develop a stronger connection to the food production system, while also fostering their aspirations to potentially join the industry in the future.
“We are deeply committed to nurturing the heart of our communities through initiatives that promote agricultural education and sustainable practices. The awarding of the Community Agricultural Grant to the Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan for their School Gardens Program is a testament to our dedication to this cause” says Doug Anderson, CEO of Peavey Industries LP. We recognize the immense value that such programs bring in cultivating a deeper understanding and appreciation for agriculture among young minds. By supporting initiatives that integrate agriculture into the educational curriculum, we are not only fostering a connection to our food system but also investing in the future stewards of our environment. We are proud to contribute to the growth of these vital educational programs and are excited to see the positive impact they will have on our communities and beyond.
With the $40,000 in funding received through the Peavey Industries Community Agricultural Grant, the School Gardens Project can expand further to allow even more classrooms to embed agriculture in their curriculum.
“We want to equip the next generation of leaders with the skills, knowledge, and motivation to work for the health of our food system, environment, and each other. A school garden is a great place to grow such leaders” says Sara Shymko, Executive Director of AITC-SK. “The funding will help to implement an additional 10 Little Green Thumbs gardens and 60 Little Green Sprouts gardens, expanding the program’s reach and inspiring over 10,000 students in the province to get their hands dirty growing classroom crops and connecting with the food systems around them.”
Each year, applicants can apply for any funding amount up to the full yearly grant availability of $100,000 for projects designed to address a current or imminent need within their community. From community garden projects to research funding, and from food security initiatives to creating safe spaces for people to come together, the Community Agricultural Grant creates an avenue to invest in the communities where we live, work, and come together.
For more information on the Community Agricultural Grant, please visit https://www.peaveymart.com/community-engagement-support or get in touch with us at cag@peaveyindustries.com
