EATON — Local farmer Lynn Hans recently directed a $5,000 Bayer Fund America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation to The Common Good Food Pantry. The Common Good will use the funds to purchase fresh produce and milk for the food pantry to be given to families in need.

“The Common Good Food Pantry promotes eating healthy foods through the Food Pantry so the Farm to Table program is a great way to introduce locally grown produce to families in need and support local farmers at the same time. These funds also supported the purchase of milk, a food item that is not donated to the pantry but is much needed. With the price of groceries climbing, families are struggling to meet their food needs and as a result the number of families coming to the food pantry is increasing by the month” said Jenny McCarty, The Common Good’s, Director.

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,” said Al Mitchell, Bayer Fund president. “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.