News Release
March 21, 2013
Douglas, Taney and Lawrence County Groups Get Grants for 4-H, FFA Youth Service Projects
Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler announced that three groups from southwestern Missouri were awarded grants from the Missouri Department of Agriculture's 2013 Building Our American Communities grant program today. Eleven local chapters of the National FFA Organization and nine Missouri 4-H clubs statewide have been granted funding for their community service projects this year.
"The Building Our American Communities program is a great opportunity for Missouri's 4-H and FFA members to be involved in agriculture and make a difference in their communities," said Director Hagler. "Youth are the future of Missouri's agriculture industry and it is outstanding to see their commitment to these projects."
The Ava 4-H Club, the Ava FFA Chapter, the Hollister FFA Chapter and the Kountry Kids 4-H Club plan to upgrade local community areas through their service projects.
The Ava 4-H Club and Ava FFA Chapter of Douglas County plan to work together to improve the Douglas County Fair. With their grants, they will add lights to the livestock and show barns so they can increase participation in their livestock show.
The Hollister FFA Chapter of Taney County will use funding towards the construction of a community garden. This garden will serve as a learning laboratory for both students and adults in the community. Hollister FFA and collaborating organizations are working to teach members of their community about the benefits of eating healthier as well as producing your own food.
Lawrence County's Kountry Kids 4-H Club will use their funding to complete the interior of their new livestock arena and barn at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds. Their priority is to provide a safe atmosphere for exhibitors and their livestock.
The Building Our American Communities program has been supporting youth projects since the 1970s. Each year, youth organizations throughout Missouri submit proposals for consideration for the grants, which range from $100 to $500 and support specific projects within each community. The grants are funded through Missouri's Agriculture Development Fund under an agreement with the USDA.
4-H clubs and FFA chapters awarded grants this year must complete their projects no later than September 1, 2013.
For more information on the Department and its programs, visit mda.mo.gov.