The Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter will receive funding through an “FFA Growing Togetherâ€� specialty block grant sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS). The funds will increase the school district’s access to specialty food crops (examples: fruits, vegetables, nuts or herbs) and build a stronger relationship between the FFA chapter and the school’s food service program. The Vinton-Shellsburg FFA chapter was one of five selected to receive this initial grant.

As part of the application process, local participants agree to integrate at least three FFA-grown products into the school nutrition program. FFA Ag Instructor Melissa Herron, Food Service Director Karen Ackman, and V-S High School Principal Matt Kingsbury will provide coordination of the program.

The Growing Together initiative for coordination, management, and maintenance of the project will be giving V-S FFA $1,900  The initiative will also provide gardening supplies, and supplies needed by food service to process the specialty crops.

For more information about the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District, please visit www.vscsd.org. To learn more about the V-S FFA Chapter, contact Melissa Heeren at Melissa.heeren@vscsd.org, and to learn more about the V-S Farm To School Chapter, contact Karen Ackman at karen.ackman@vscsd.org.