Key facts
- GIY is urging the Irish government to expand practical food education in schools.
- The organization highlights growing concern about ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and poor diets impacting children's health.
- GIY's 'GROW at School' program aims to reconnect children with real food and healthy eating habits.
- Demand for the program outstrips current funding and capacity.
- GIY is calling for a €3 million investment over four years to reach 75% of Irish primary schools.
The organization GIY is advocating for the Irish government to significantly expand practical food education programs in schools, citing concerns over the prevalence of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and declining food literacy among children. GIY reports that UPFs constitute approximately 46% of the Irish diet, and children are increasingly disconnected from the origins and nature of healthy food. Currently, over 200 primary schools are on a waiting list for GIY's 'GROW at School' program, which is already active in about 650 schools nationwide. However, demand exceeds available funding and capacity. GIY is requesting a commitment of €3 million over four years to extend the program to 75% of Irish primary schools, estimating the cost at around €7 per child. This investment is seen as a small fraction of the Department of Social Protection's school meals budget, with the potential to foster lifelong healthy eating habits. GIY founder Mick Kelly emphasized that while Ireland invests in school meals, it underinvests in food understanding. Evidence suggests that children involved in growing food are more likely to consume fruits and vegetables and develop healthier eating patterns. The program also offers broader wellbeing benefits, including teamwork, responsibility, and self-regulation, particularly in disadvantaged communities. GIY proposes using the funding to scale the program rapidly through trained facilitators, providing schools with growing resources, workshops, and curriculum support, and urges the government to include dedicated funding in Budget 2027.