Non-profit aims to raise €1m for food and mental health programme at Irish primary schools

A non-profit is aiming to raise €1 million for a food education and mental health programme for primary schools across Ireland. 

Social enterprise Grow It Yourself (GIY)'s 'GROW At School' programme was previously piloted at 32 Irish schools to "overwhelmingly positive" feedback, and GIY now hope to make it available to all primary schools in the 2023/24 academic year. 

Speaking to an Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, CEO and founder of GIY, Michael Kelly, noted, "Food growing is a great leveller for children of all abilities and ages. Sometimes the most marginalised children can participate and thrive in the school environment where they may not be thriving academically." 

The Oireachtas Committee heard in oral evidence that the curriculum in schools is heavily focused on preparing for exams, and that students do not have enough time to engage in other activities that could help maintain good mental health. 

The importance of Physical Education and other non-academic pursuits - such as drama, art, creative writing or participation in workshops and courses such as those provided by Fighting Words, Lust for Life and GIY - was also highlighted. 

A subsequent Joint Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science recommended the primary and post-primary curriculum should be reviewed to identify suitable co-curricular programmes for inclusion such as "those delivered by Grow it Yourself (GIY)". 

The programme has not yet been funded by the government, however, GIY has raised approximately €300,000 so far this year through philanthropic support from individuals and foundations, corporate donors and individual philanthropic support. 

GIY is currently delivering GROW At School to 134 primary schools this year. 

In September 2023 they aim to include an additional 500 schools in the programme, with a further 1,000 schools in 2024.  

Speaking about the interest from schools for participation in the programme, Director of Development at GIY, Nell Ward, said, "At present it’s incredible that over 600 primary schools have registered their interest in joining the programme. This reflects the huge interest amongst teachers in actively participating in environmental action, and the impact of the programme even beyond food growing. 

"GROW At School is at the nexus of climate action, mental health & education (food system). We have been working with schools since our foundation in 2008 and we have learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t. This programme delivers on well-being offering mental and physical health and well-being benefits.

"It also delivers on environmental goals - a healthy food system with sustainable food choices addressing biodiversity and zero waste in order to alleviate climate anxiety and it is educational offering students the opportunity to learn a practical life skill & understanding where food comes from.” 

Teachers have also given feedback about the programme, and said some children were "baffled" by the fact that brussels sprouts grow on a stalk and that peas were growing in pods in front of them. 

One teacher stated, "It has had a huge impact on the children. A lot of them have transferred what they have learned and started their own patches at home.” 

Children with autism reportedly got the most benefit and found working with soil "very therapeutic". 

According to GIY, it costs €2,000 per school to provide the kit of four raised beds, soil to fill them, seeds and other materials, along with teacher training and ongoing support to help the gardens to flourish. 

For further details or if you would like to donate, email growatschool@giy.ie