FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — Human Agriculture Cooperative Executive Director Ty Simmons recently received both a medal and an award. They both make him happy.
Simmons was awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Medal last month for more than 4,000 hours of volunteer work.
“I'm doing more [4,000 hours]Because we started this organization with $40,” he told WANE 15.
It brings us money.
Simmons and his team have earned $ 800,000 in 2022, but Indiana acknowledged that the subsidy would soon doubled.
“Human Agricultural Cooperative, of which Ty Simmons is executive director, has received a total of approximately $1.5 million through the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA) and LFPA+,” Lisa Welch with the Indiana State Department of Health said in an email. I sent it.
The initial grant allowed Simmons to partner with 15 farmers in and around Fort Wayne's southeast side to grow food and distribute it to underprivileged neighborhoods.
Simmons gave 2.5 pounds (about 2.5 pounds) per meal, estimating that his group had more than one million meals.
This year, they hope to add 10 more farms.
“I’m really proud to be from Fort Wayne, to be from the south side of the city and really fight for that community.”
Simmons doesn't have a natural green thumb (“In third grade, my plants didn't survive,” he quipped), but he learns and helps others. I decided to teach.
“It's so liberating to have a family that can grow 1,000 pounds of food and not have to worry about going to the grocery store. It's healthier, it's cleaner. It's not GMO, because… If there was no species, God would not make it. “
He plans to spread food freedom by adding “Share the Harvest Fest” to this year's Juneteenth celebrations. The event will also include food giveaways and an opportunity for individuals and families to learn how to grow their own food.
“[それは]It is to learn not only about agriculture, but also about how people can help each other, not just agriculture. “[It's}peoplecomingtogetherbreakingbreadandlearningaboutnotonlyfarmingbuthowwecanhelpeachothermore”[It’s}peoplecomingtogetherbreakingbreadandlearningaboutnotonlyfarmingbuthowwecanhelpeachothermore”
The event is scheduled for June 22 from noon to 6 p.m. at Reservoir Park.
