FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO – County farmer Connie Smith, directed $2,500 to The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences through America’s Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer. As part of their mission the organization will use the funds to support the Department of Animal Sciences Meat Lab and the Buckeyes in Your Corner student outreach program. The grant will help purchase supplies for the Meat Lab that will be used in the production of meat products by students, in both classes and research projects. In the Meat Lab, students learn how to produce a variety of meats and products for final display. They must include proper labeling, a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) safety plan, and a marketing and advertising plan in their final presentations. The grant will offset the costs of maintenance expenses to operate the meat lab, including refrigeration, equipment repair, and parts.
The grant will also help the Buckeyes in Your Corner program, a departmental initiative to support mental health. This program is part of a series that focuses on a different topic each semester. The Animal Science Community Alliance (ASCA) plans an activity each month throughout the academic year to incorporate networking, fun, and stress management education in a safe, relaxed environment. The activities for 2018-2019 included a mix and mingle with doughnuts and coffee, an overview of counseling and consultation services available on campus, yoga with student testimonials, a movie and pizza night, and a crafting station to help minimize stress during finals week. ASCA also gives other student clubs the opportunity to plan one of the monthly events. The 
2019 spring session hosted by the Meat Judging Team and the Meat Science Club, which includes a free dinner for the students, is titled “How to Manage Your Stress.” The program will include a group of student and faculty panelists from different backgrounds who will share their ideas, experiences, and personal stories on the various types of stress facing college students today, and will discuss how to best handle these difficult situations. Assistant Professor of Meat Science, Dr. Lyda Garcia, is the faculty advisor for this valuable discussion series.
Celebrating its 10th year, America’s Farmers Grow Communities partners with farmers to support nonprofit organizations strengthening rural communities. The program offers farmers the chance to direct a $2,500 donation to a nonprofit of their choice. It has awarded more than $33 million to over 8,000 nonprofits across rural America.
“A better life is Bayer’s goal. Farmers are invested in their communities, they root for their neighbors, and they know when and where there is a need,” said Al Mitchell, Vice President Corporate Engagement, Bayer. “Farmers are one of America’s best resources, which is why Grow Communities partners with them to direct donations to the organizations they are passionate about and that make a positive impact and a better life in communities.”
To learn more about the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, visit www.AmericasFarmers.com or follow on Facebook at facebook.com/AmericasFarmers.
About America’s Farmers
Started in 2010, the America’s Farmers programs, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer, have been dedicated to partnering with farmers to strengthen rural communities. The programs provide funding for ag scholarships, nonprofit donations and school STEM grants. Since inception the fund has awarded over $50 million to rural communities. For more information visit AmericasFarmers.com.
About the Monsanto Fund
The Monsanto Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Bayer employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.
For More Information Contact:
Lyda Garcia garcia.625@osu.edu
or Marietta Benage benage.1@osu.edu