Local farmer James McColl has directed a $2,500 donation to the Helping Hands Food Pantry. Funded by America’s Farmers Grow Communities, the donation will allow the group to purchase rice, tomatoes, and other food. The pantry serves about 7,000 local residents.

Thanks to the support of farmers like McColl, more than $3.2 million is being directed to nonprofits in 1,289 counties in 39 states.
“We are excited to be able to assist Dillon County residents with the items they need, and we appreciate the nomination,” said Teresa Mason, the pantry’s Treasurer.
America’s Farmers Grow Communities works directly with farmers to support nonprofit organizations like the Helping Hands Food Pantry, who are doing important work in their communities. The program offers farmers the chance to win $2,500, which is then donated to the farmer’s nonprofit of choice.
The search for funding to sustain and enhance programs is a year-round job for nonprofit organizations across the country.
Through America’s Farmers Grow Communities, farmers have been able to support a variety of groups, such as schools, fire departments, community centers and youth organizations like 4-H and FFA. America’s Farmers Grow Communities launched in 2010, and has since donated over $13 million to more than 5,200 nonprofit organizations across the country. America’s Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, is part of the America’s Farmers initiative, which highlights and celebrates the important contributions of farmers like James McColl. For a complete list of Grow Communities winners, please visit growcommunities.com.