Shoppers at the Monadnock Food Co-op collectively donated $5,698.62 to the Monadnock Localvores Jeffrey P. Smith Farm Scholarship Program. The Monadnock Food Co-op collected these donations during their month-long Round It Up Donation Drive in May. Customers rounded up their purchases to donate their change to the Monadnock Localvores.

Funds raised through May’s Round It Up will go exclusively to providing scholarships for the youth who live in housing owned or managed by Keene Housing through a partnership with the Keene Housing Kids Collaborative.

“After a year of isolation, fear, and confinement, children need to reconnect with the broader world beyond their doors. What better way to give them fresh air, fresh skills, and fresh ideas than the thrill of discovery with a farm camp experience?” said Dottie Smith from the Monadnock Localvores. “Returning to “normal” is just not good enough. We want children to thrive!”

“We hope to inspire the next generation of local farmers and local food supporters by giving regional children an opportunity, through summer camp, to experience sustainable farming practices first-hand and watch their efforts bear fruit,” said Amanda Littleton from the Monadnock Localvores. “Long-term, children will carry the knowledge gained from this memorable experience into adulthood.”

The Jeffrey P. Smith Farm Scholarship, initiated in 2009 by the Monadnock Localvores, endeavors to connect young people with agriculture and the natural world around them by supplementing the cost of sending children to local farm camps so that they might discover the inherent rewards that come from cultivating with one’s hands and heart.