AMERICUS — Southland Academy has received a $2,500 donation from Sumter County farmer Barbara Perry and America’s Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund. The donation will help the organization purchase a bus that will be used to transport students to special academic and athletic events.

“We’re so grateful for the donation from America’s Farmers Grow Communities and for the ceremonial presentation,” said Melanie Mathis, director of Development for Southland Academy.

“I have two children that attend Southland Academy, and many of the other area farmers do as well,” said Perry. “It’s a great school and I’m so thankful for this opportunity to give to them.” 

For five years, America’s Farmers Grow Communities has collaborated with farmers to donate over $16.5 million to over 7,300 community organizations across rural America. This year winning farmers will direct another $3.3 million to nonprofits to help fight rural hunger, purchase life saving fire and EMS equipment, support ag youth leadership programs, buy much needed classroom resources and so much more.

America’s Farmers Grow Communities is part of the America’s Farmers initiative. Since 2010, the America’s Farmers campaign and programs have advocated on behalf of farmers and their efforts to meet society’s needs through agriculture. Today, consumers are more interested than ever in agriculture and how food is grown. Consider joining the conversation and helping to raise awareness about agriculture. Learn more at FoodDialogues.com

A sister program in the America’s Farmers effort, Grow Rural Education, is currently in its farmer nomination phase. Farmers interested in supporting math and science education in their communities should visit www.GrowRuralEducation.com from now through April 1 to learn how.