Minister Heather Humphreys has helped to launch SuperValu & GIY 'Let's GROW' initiative for 50,000 primary school children. This is a brand new partnership that aims to put homegrown food centre-stage in classrooms across Ireland by enabling 50,000 children to learn how to grow food at school.
Speaking at the launch today, the local minister said the initiative will help put growing food firmly back on the table for students, leading to the development of lifelong skills that will support healthier living. She added that students will have the opportunity to grow their own food, as they will be provided with seeds, compost discs, pots for growing and lesson plans.
Speaking at the launch, GIY Founder and CEO Michael Kelly explained how impactful the simple act of sowing seeds can be for children; "SuperValu Let’s GROW’ is designed to connect pupils with the magic of plants and the wonder of nature, which has a profound effect on how children think about food.
"Through our work, we know that by growing their own food children develop a greater curiosity and understanding of how food is produced and how it gets to our tables. Perhaps most importantly, research consistently shows that children who grow some of their own vegetables are more likely to eat more vegetables – a vital habit to support healthier people and the planet. Our research also shows us that through growing food and getting their hands into the earth there are huge mental health and well-being benefits for children."
