Lynden, WA (June 3, 2021) – Agriculture is going strong in Washington State, and it just got a big boost forward. Washington State University is receiving a $5,000 grant from CHS Northwest for their “We Grow” program through the CHS Seeds for Stewardship grant program.
The We Grow Garden is a youth vocational and education program that provides job experience opportunities for youth, where youth are employed to work in a community garden. During their time in the garden youth learn hard and soft skills, like accountability and follow through. They also learn gardening and sustainable agriculture skills. Produce grown is sold at the We Grow market stand or donated to places such as Bellingham Food Bank.
Don Eucker, CHS Northwest General Manager, said “It’s great to expose kids to agriculture in order to get them excited about agriculture as a career path. But this program also provides practical work skills that will help them in any future field of employment.”
Through the Seeds for Stewardship grant program, CHS is proud to support local organizations that focus on safety, agriculture industry leadership, and support rural communities.
Keeping our communities, customers and employees safe is a core value at CHS. “Rural communities work hard to keep people safe while building and developing tomorrow’s agricultural leaders,” said Eucker. “We are thankful for those who are dedicated to making sure our communities continue to be strong, safe places for our customers and employees to live and work together.”
In 2021, the Seeds for Stewardship program funds are being used to help engage students in agriculture related education and leadership projects, sustain local 4-H and FFA groups, and build gathering places where 4-H participants and community members can meet.