Ag Education
Select Michigan for “Back to School” Lunches
Summer is winding down and with that kids have headed back to school. Research tells us children who eat breakfast and healthy lunches have an easier time learning. Hot lunches, provided at school cafeterias generally provide healthy options for the school age crowd. However, for those who choose to pack a “brown bag lunch,” it often becomes a guessing game for parents to pack nutritious foods.
During the peak of the growing season and through harvest, packing a nutritious lunch couldn’t be much easier. With a wealth of locally grown produce, no child’s lunch bag/box should be less than nutritious. Across the state of Michigan, Farmer’s Markets are open weekly and packed full of fruits and vegetables to accommodate the pickiest of eaters. It couldn’t be easier to find a Farmer’s Market close to you…it is just a click away!
Click here for more information: http://www.michigan.org/Things-to-Do/Shopping/Farm-Markets/Default.aspx?city=G42&sort=asc&lm=sf&page=1
White Reinhardt Grants Applications Now Available
County P&E programs have the opportunity to put some extra dollars in their pockets if they are successful recipients of the White Reinhardt Grant. The grants, of up to $500, are available on a competitive basis from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Education.
Though the applications are not due to Michigan Farm Bureau until October 15, it isn’t too early to start planning. Grants are awarded for classroom education programs for grades K-12 to initiate new programs or expand existing programs to additional grade levels or new subject areas.
Applications must be for agricultural literacy programs, not those that address farm safety issues or education. Funding is not available for mileage, field trips, landscaping projects, butterfly gardens, wages and benefits, or one-time consumable products such as copying, paper, seeds or meals.
In 2010, Northwest Michigan, Muskegon and Washtenaw county P&E programs as well as Michigan Farm Bureau’s P&E program each received $500. The 2011 grant application is now available.
Click here for more information: http://www.agfoundation.org/index.php?fuseaction=whatwesupport.minigrants
Marge Karker Scholarship Recipients Named
Three Michigan State University students have been chosen as the 2010-2011 recipients of the Michigan Farm Bureau Marge Karker Scholarship. Joseph Ankley, Elaine Bristol and Henry Reinart will each be the recipient of a $1,000 award.
Joseph Ankley, from Lapeer County is the son of William and Virginia Ankley of Imlay City. Joseph is a dual major, studying Agriscience Education and Animal Science. He is a 2006 graduate of North Branch High School. Elaine Bristol is the daughter of James and Sherrie Bristol from West Branch, in Ogemaw County. She is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Communications major and a 2007 graduate of Ogemaw Heights High School. Henry Reinart, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine major, the son of Christopher and the late Rita Reinart from Allegan County, is a 2006 graduate of Hopkins High School.
The scholarship, sponsored by the State Promotion & Education Committee and administered by the Promotion & Education Department of Michigan Farm Bureau, recognizes students enrolled in a 2, 4 or post-graduate ag program at Michigan State University.
