Kids can learn how to grow food at school

A brand new partnership aims to put homegrown food centre-stage in classrooms across Ireland by enabling 50,000 children to learn how to grow food at school.

The SuperValu Let’s GROW initiative is being run by the not-for-profit social enterprise, GIY and it is the start of a 3 year partnership with SuperValu. Through SuperValu Let’s GROW, classrooms will be provided with the tools for food growing and food literacy education.

The SuperValu Let’s GROW pack provides schools with everything they need to start growing their own vegetables, including packs of seeds, compost discs and pots for growing, as well as teacher resource packs with curriculum-linked lesson plans and activities. 50,000 children will take on the challenge of growing their own food, starting on their classroom windowsills this spring.

Helping to launch the initiative Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD said: “I am delighted to be here today to launch the SuperValu Let’s GROW initiative in association with GIY, which delivers classroom-based food growing and food literacy education. This initiative puts growing food firmly back on the table for students, leading to the development of lifelong skills that will support healthier living.

“I believe this initiative holds benefits for students far beyond the classroom and look forward to seeing the students’ growing success this year.”

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.”

SuperValu Managing Director Ian Allen, who said: “We are delighted to launch our SuperValu Let’s GROW campaign in partnership with GIY. At SuperValu, we are passionate about fresh food and we want to share this passion with schools across Ireland. By encouraging children to get involved and grow their own fruit and vegetables, we can instil a life-long interest in food and making healthy choices. Not only this, the SuperValu Let’s GROW campaign will encourage schools to take on projects that go beyond the classroom, inspiring students to get involved in their local communities for decades to come, through initiatives like SuperValu TidyTowns. ”

Schools across the country are encouraged to register online at www.supervaluletsgrow.ie to receive a free classroom growing kit while supplies last.

Each SuperValu Let’s GROW classroom pack includes seeds for cress, peas, salad leaves, pumpkins and sunflowers. There are also 32 compostable pots, 32 magic compost discs and expert GIY resource booklet with growing guides, lessons and activities created by GIY and lots of classroom goodies.