LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Mountain Vista Middle School Garden Project, the Kelseyville Kids Garden Club and the Cobb Mountain Elementary School Garden Club are all recipients of $100 mini-grants awarded through the Lake County Chapter of California Women for Agriculture (LCCWA).

“Our board members voted unanimously to support these garden projects,” said LCCWA President Annette Hopkins. “So many people think that their food comes from a grocery store. This is a way that the LCCWA can help our local teachers bring agriculture to life in the classroom in a very practical and fun way.”

Cindy Leonard, the Cobb Mountain Elementary Garden Club chairperson explained, “Students, teachers and community members are involved in every aspect of the garden’s growth and development. It’s a great way for our kids learn about nutritious food choices. We’re really pleased by the LCCWA’s support. Bringing ag into a learning environment is important.”

Cherie Seely, an agriculture science teacher at Mountain Vista Middle School, said the grant will be used toward the purchase of a greenhouse.

“Agricultural science students at Mountain Vista have been growing vegetables for use in the Kelseyville School District lunch program already,” said Seely. “A greenhouse will allow them to continue to produce vegetables and flowers throughout the school months.”

Mini-grant recipient, the Kelseyville Kids’ Garden Club, has a seven-year history in Lake County.

“While the children learn about gardening and nutritious food through the club, they also learn about boundaries and respect,” said Garden Club Director Helen Finch.

Educators who would like to apply for agriculture-related mini-grants through the Lake County Chapter of California Women for Agriculture may do so by writing to LCCWA, P.O. Box 279, Finley, CA 95354.

The Lake County Chapter of CWA actively educates their members and the public about matters concerning agriculture at both the county and state levels.

LCCWA awards scholarships to students pursuing agricultural-related education and provides mini-grants to teachers in local schools who are educating their students about agriculture and food.

In addition, LCCWA sponsors AgVenture, an educational program for community leaders who wish to learn more about agriculture in Lake County.

To learn more about the Lake County Chapter of California Women for Agriculture, visit www.lakecountycwa.org .