The SouthWest Edgecombe High School chapter of the Future Farmers of America received both a donation from the Edgecombe County Farm Bureau and a grant from the National Future Farmers of American Organization.

Farm Bureau’s $700 donation will assist in paying the state and national Future Farmers of America dues for the SouthWest Edgecombe chapter members.

“As an intercurricular part of agriculture education, FFA membership for each student is vital for students to participate fully in all aspects of the agriculture education program such as leadership workshops and career development events,” said Shelley Armour, agriscience teacher and FFA advisor at SouthWest Edgecombe.

According to Armour, the chapter members are dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

The chapter also received a $2,500 Food For All Grant from the National Future Farmers of America Organization to use in creating a community garden on campus.

The public will be able to assist in harvesting fruits and vegetables and in doing so they are welcome to take home as much fresh produce for their family’s enjoyment as they can use.

“The SouthWest Future Farmers of America Chapters hopes that this project will not only encourage local gardening but life-long healthy eating for the community,” Armour said.

The nationwide program provides grant money to local Future Farmers of America chapters to support year-long service-learning projects focused on developing and implementing sustainable hunger relief projects.

The funding for the grant program is provided in part by Farmers Feeding the World and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.

The program provided approximately $323,000 to Future Farmers of America chapters in 42 states. More information about the program can be found at www.FFA.org/foodforall.

SouthWest Edgecombe High School is located at 5912 NC Highway 43 North in Pinetops and serves 928 students.