Butler Community Food Pantry welcomes $2,500 check...

Monsanto, through the 'America's Farmers Grow Communities' program presented a check to the Butler Community Food Pantry this morning for $2,500- and pantry director Joyce Fitzpatrick and her team gladly accepted it.

The Monsanto program distributes some 3.1 million dollars annually throughout rural America that goes to selected organizations such as ag youth groups, 4-H clubs, fire departments, local schools and other civic groups. The goal of the program is to invest in rural America through a nomination by local farmers.

Vern McElwain of Butler was chosen as the local farmer to participate in the program on behalf of Bates County. "When I found out that the money was going to be awarded, I had to decide what organization we should give it to" said McElwain "And since the pantry serves the entire county, it was the logical choice".

McElwain was chosen from some 60,000 farmers across the country and many who participated in Bates County.

Left to right: Allen Henderson, Graca Fleischer, Tabitha Polacek, Joyce Fitzpatrick, Monsanto rep Jeff Stroup,
Barbara McElwain and Vern McElwain