WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwire - Sept. 17, 2012) - Agriculture in the Classroom-MB Inc. (AITC-M) is excited to announce the continued expansion of its Made in Manitoba Breakfast Program with the help of a generous $250,000 two-year grant from the Monsanto Fund.
The expansion will bring the famous, locally-produced breakfast and agriculture education program to 60 new rural communities in Manitoba over the next two years and builds on a pilot project funded by the Monsanto Fund in 2011.
The Made in Manitoba Breakfast program travels across Manitoba feeding breakfast to students and connecting them to where that food comes from. Students enjoy a Made in Manitoba Breakfast served by local agricultural producers from a variety of sectors. Before breakfast, students take part in an educational presentation where they explore the agricultural industry and discover where their food comes from.
"We couldn't be more thrilled to see this project taking on such an amazing life of its own!" says Johanne Ross, AITC-M Executive Director. "With the new funding approval from the Monsanto Fund, we will be able to take the educational component of the Made in Manitoba Breakfast Program to a new level, significantly raising the impact of this important initiative."
Ross added that the grant will also support the development of curriculum related resources for teachers to continue the learning after AITC-M delivers the breakfast in the school.
"One of the key focus areas for the Monsanto Fund is supporting rural schools and rural communities," says Trish Jordan, Public Affairs Director with Monsanto Canada. "We are very committed to enhancing agricultural awareness and agricultural education so supporting Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba and the interactive, hands-on experiences they offer to get students up close and personal with agriculture is a good fit."
Schools can apply for a Made in Manitoba Breakfast to visit their school by visiting www.aitc.mb.ca. Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba will kick-off its 2012 breakfast program at Carman Collegiate in Carman, Manitoba on Thurs. Sept 20th from 9 am to 11 am CST.
About Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba Inc.
Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba Inc. is a non-profit organization supported by individuals and the agriculture industry. The organization runs several programs throughout the year including the Amazing Agriculture Adventure, The Amazing Agriculture Race, farm tours and other special events. AITC-M also develops and distributes teacher resources to help deliver agriculture information for use within the school curriculum.
About the Monsanto Fund
The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.