At GreenStone, we understand that the success of our members is, in part, determined by the strength of the communities we serve. Each year, the co-op gives back thousands of dollars and volunteer hours to hundreds of organizations that align with our mission and vision.
GreenStone aligns those dollars and hours to four target focus areas:
• Agriculture Advocacy, Customer and Industry Relations and Producer Leadership Development and Education
• Young, Beginning and Small Farmers Youth Education and Agriculture Awareness
• Rural Community Engagement
As we mark the halfway point of 2023, GreenStone is once again leading the charge by dedicating 3,360 hours and $162,000 dollars to the community through local events, scholarships and partnerships with local organizations committed to advancing rural America and agriculture.
Highlights of outreach efforts year to date:
Supporting the future of farming is a part of our commitment to supporting our rural communities. This year, GreenStone awarded $60,000 dollars in scholarships for current and incoming college students pursuing degrees that help advance agriculture.
GreenStone is committing to the advancement of youth in agriculture by being a proud supporter of 4-H in both Michigan and Wisconsin. GreenStone’s values align with 4-H’s goal to advance youth through rural community engagement and personal growth. GreenStone is an annual sponsor of the Michigan 4-H Volunteer Leader Recognition Training and a top sponsor of the Wisconsin 4-H program. In addition to these donations, staff from each of our 35 locations are involved year-round through community-building activities, county fairs and youth engagements.
Advocating for farmers is another way GreenStone is committed to giving back. One way is through our partnership with Michigan Grown, Michigan Great, which promotes Michigan-grown products and the local farmers growing it. GreenStone donates to the group annually to help make it possible for them to attend farmer’s markets, community events and food festivals. The group aims to raise awareness of the food grown around us and the steps farmers take to ensure food is safe and wholesome.
The diversity of agriculture in Michigan and Wisconsin is extensive, and the dairy industry is a key contributor. GreenStone advocates for the dairy industry. Among the partnerships is Dairy Business Association in Wisconsin through which GreenStone supports their Dairy Strong event, golf outing, policy meetings and the World Dairy Expo among others. Like many similar organizations, GreenStone teammates are involved and help promote and support their values. The Dairy Business Association is a large supporter of dairy farms in Wisconsin and aligns with GreenStone’s commitment of advocating for the agriculture industry.
We know that the investments made in our communities today will help strengthen them and the next generation for tomorrow. GreenStone is proud to continue building on this promise to rural Michigan and northeast Wisconsin.
To learn more about how GreenStone is showing up for our communities through sponsorships, outreach and scholarships, check out our page at www.GreenStoneFCS.com/community.
To view the article in the online 2023 Summer Partners Magazine, click here
