Primary school children in Kilkenny have received €30,000 worth of brand new sports equipment, while Carlow schools received €32,000 donated by local SuperValu stores and their customers through the Kids in Action programme.
A total €1.2 million worth of sports and active play equipment has been donated by SuperValu in 2008 to primary schools nationwide.
Launched in 2006, SuperValu Kids in Action is an annual initiative which aims to encourage children to get involved in sport and active play, while educating parents and children alike on the importance of a balanced diet. The programme is aimed at children aged between five and twelve years.
In 2008, 83 per cent of primary schools across the country took part in the initiative - which was supported by both the Irish Sports Council and the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute. Since the launch of SuperValu Kids in Action, €3.5million worth of sports equipment has been delivered to schools nationwide.
Between January and March, SuperValu customers in Carlow-Kilkenny collected vouchers for Kids in Action with every €10 spent in store.
To further promote healthy eating, double vouchers were given for all fruit and vegetable purchases.
As part of the programme, in conjunction with the INDI, SuperValu also arranged for a nutritionist to visit participating schools and engage the children directly in discussions around healthy food options.