All primary schools in the city will receive a garden pack this week containing tools and equipment to develop a mini garden.
The project, which is funded under the HSE Framework for Action on Obesity, is part of the Galway Healthy Cities Project. It aims to help local primary schools promote healthy eating and increase awareness and knowledge of growing vegetables, herbs and fruit.
Adrienne Lynam, project manager of the HSE, says the project will help schoolchildren learn the value of growing and eating more fruit and vegetables.
“They will be more inclined to eat a greater variety, and more of, the vegetables that they themselves produce. Hopefully they will bring these skills home and encourage their families to eat and grow more fruit and vegetables to improve their nutrition, maintain a healthy weight and increase their physical activity.”
This local initiative also complements and supports Agri Aware’s national “Incredible Edibles” programme which targets all national school children aiming to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in Ireland.
Mike Neary, chairman of the Incredible Edibles Committee, says developing and encouraging good eating habits for the next generation will help make Ireland a more resourceful and healthier society in the future.
“The extra materials and the training provided to primary schools will certainly help Galway city lead the way in school gardens and healthy eating.”
Galway Healthy Cities is a partnership initiative working to improve the health and wellbeing of people living and working in Galway city. The WHO European Healthy Cities Network is a formal network of nearly 80 cities which are committed to improving health and tackle inequalities.
