Darlington farmer directs funds to Byrdtown Firemen’s Association
America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation supports local organization
The Byrdtown Firemen’s Association has received a $2,500 donation from Darlington County’s Chapman Farms and America’s Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund. According to Fire Chief David Astralla, the organization plans to use the funds to help with the purchase of an engine replacement for their 1948 Ford fire truck, which is used in parades and other community activities.
Pictured left to right: Station Chief David Astralla, Firefighter Travis Smith, Captain Charles Ingram, Winning farmer Jim Chapman, Monsanto representative Jess Easterling, and Firefighter Sam Ingram.
“We’re happy to support our rural fire department in any way we can. These individuals donate their time and energy to keeping our community safe and we appreciate their service,” said winning farmer Amanda Chapman.
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.
