The Christmas gift that keeps on growing
Food education programme GROW at School aims to put food literacy, health and sustainability at the heart of the education system
IImagine an Ireland where every child spends time outdoors in nature, learns how to grow their own food, eats more fruit and veg and grows up to make healthier, more sustainable food choices. GIY's GROW at School programme is making this a reality. With the help of corporate, philanthropic and public funding, the social enterprise aims to deliver a free vegetable garden to every primary school in Ireland.
“Research on the first phase of the programme showed that children experienced better overall wellbeing and greater interest in eating more vegetables,” said Michael Kelly, GIY chief executive and founder. “More sustainable diets are one of the biggest climate change mitigation measures we can take. We’re excited to help the next generation lead the way, starting with over 130 schools taking part this year.”
This Christmas, you can give the unique gift of a school garden to your local community on behalf of your family, company, or any other group. For €2,000 per school, you can join a movement that will see food literacy, health and sustainability put at the heart of the education system through hands-on, garden-based learning and curriculum-linked resources.
The next phase of GROW at School aims to support 1,600 schools in Ireland by 2024. Every €2,000 sponsors a full school garden with beds, soil, seeds and a garden plan to grow 14 vegetables around the school year calendar. Donations of €500 or €1,000 will help fund additional materials, a teacher training programme and class content. See how you, or your organisation, can play a role in this national food education programme and give a unique gift of growing this Christmas.
To support one of the 200 schools on the GROW at School waiting list, please visit https://giy.ie/gift-a-garden/ or contact emma@giy.ie.
