Submitted photoThomas County Food Bank and Outreach Center officials show off their certificate of donation from the America's Farmers Grow Communities program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund.

Thomas County farmer Ken Beverly has won the opportunity to direct a $2,500 donation from America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund to the Thomas County Food Bank and Outreach Center.

The Thomas County Food Bank will use the funds to purchase food for the more than 800 households served each month.

“The food bank is very grateful to Mr. Beverly for directing this award to us. This donation will be used entirely for food for the neediest in our county,” said Janice Anderson, food bank president.

The Grow Communities program’s purpose is to make a positive impact in farm communities by partnering with farmers to support the causes that are important to them in their communities. Each year, farmers enter for a chance to win a $2,500 donation that they direct to a local nonprofit.

Since the program began in 2010, farmers have directed more than $26 million in donations across a broad cross-section of organizations that reflect the makeup and character of rural America, including food banks, emergency response organizations, schools, youth agriculture programs and many others.

“Farmers have directed funds to more than 8,000 community organizations across rural America since Grow Communities began,” said AI Mitchell, Monsanto Fund president.

“Farmers are truly committed to this program because they see the difference the donation makes in their community,” he added.

For more information or to see the complete list of the 2017 America’s Farmers Grow Communities recipients, visit www.GrowCommunities.com.