Ag producers in Seward County can help provide more quality childcare options for families by donating grain this December.
Farmers Cooperative, in collaboration with the Seward County Chamber and Development Partnership, has launched the Kernels for Kids campaign, which will accept donations of grain through the end of 2023.
The goal is to help increase the options for quality, licensed childcare for families in Seward County, where the number of kids needing care exceeds the number of available licensed spots.
“The lack of childcare directly impacts our employees, their families and patrons,” said Allissa Troyer, marketing director for Farmers Cooperative. “This project helps bridge those gaps and supports the future of our youth.”
Jonathan Jank, president and CEO of the SCCDP, said the organization has been working for almost two years to provide additional funding for both existing and new childcare providers.
“We’re looking for another collaborative opportunity to provide funding support to help childcare providers in Seward County to best serve kids,” Jank said.
The idea to partner with Farmers Cooperative came from SCCDP board member and county commissioner Misty Ahmic, who Jank said encouraged the organization to engage the agricultural community in the topic of childcare.
“Farmers Cooperative is a member of SCCDP and the relationship has been very positive and impactful to Seward County,” Troyer said. “We were approached by SCCDP with the Kernels for Kids program idea and felt that this was a perfect opportunity to support the workforce, community, and youth as there is a high need for childcare facilities.”
Troyer said the SCCDP has an account at Farmers Cooperative that will house donations from producers who participate in the grain bank.
“Patrons would also have the opportunity to donate to the Kernels for Kids program as well. All they need to do is indicate the program account,” Troyer said.
Jacob Jennings, director of community affairs for the SCCDP, said the money raised from the sale of the grain will go into a fund managed by the SCCDP.
Farmers Cooperative plans to provide a financial match, Troyer said.
Childcare providers may then submit an application for grants from the fund, detailing their plans for quality improvements at their center or in-home childcare facility.
Only licensed childcare providers are eligible to apply.
“This will be similar to previous grants SCCDP has managed where childcare service providers will apply for the funds and a review committee of local early education professionals will consider their request and award funds accordingly,” Jennings said.
Producers have until Dec. 31 to make their donations, and funds will be dispersed in January.
For more information, contact Jennings at (402) 643-4189 or visit the nearest Farmers Cooperative location.
