December 04, 2025
Students at Thomson Middle School are getting hands-on experience in agriculture and community service thanks to a project supported by AgGeorgia Farm Credit’s Community Mission Fund. The school’s FFA chapter received a $5,000 grant in 2024 to establish a community garden designed to educate students about sustainability, teamwork, and healthy living while providing fresh produce to those in need.
Located in Centerville, Ga., Thomson Middle School serves approximately 800 students in grades 6–8 and is home to a thriving FFA program with about 270 members. The FFA chapter’s mission is to foster agricultural education, leadership, and personal growth through real-world learning opportunities.
With the support of AgGeorgia’s grant, the Thomson Middle School FFA completed the development of its community garden, which now serves as a living classroom. Students have gained hands-on experience planting, cultivating, and harvesting a variety of fruits and vegetables while learning the importance of food production and environmental stewardship.
Beyond the classroom, the garden has had a positive ripple effect throughout the local community. Fresh produce grown by the students is shared with area food banks, supporting local families and reinforcing the value of service. The project also brought together students, teachers, and community members, fostering a stronger sense of connection and collaboration.
“Our community garden has become so much more than a teaching tool—it’s a place where our students can grow as leaders and learn the impact of giving back,” said Kenneth Ford, Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor at Thomson Middle School. “AgGeorgia Farm Credit’s support helped us create a lasting space for hands-on learning that benefits both our students and our community.”
In total, AgGeorgia Farm Credit awarded $53,800 in 2024 through its Community Mission Fund to twelve nonprofit organizations across Georgia. Launched in 2023, the grant program supports projects that promote the future of agriculture and enhance the quality of life in rural communities, with grants of up to $5,000 awarded per project.
To learn more about AgGeorgia’s Community Mission Fund and explore past and current grant recipients, visit www.aggeorgia.com/community-mission-fund.