The not-for-profit social enterprise Grow It Yourself (GIY) is aiming to raise €1m in order to deliver the food education and mental health programme, GROW At School, in 500 additional primary schools across the country for 2023.

GIY CEO Michael Kelly said: “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.”

GIY also aims to improve students’ mental health in a curriculum which is heavily academically based. The programme has not yet been Government funded, but they organisation has managed to raise €300,000.

GIY is seeking funding from other businesses, donors or philanthropists. Donations are part of a three-tier donation scheme starting at €2,000 per school, donating up to 10 schools; though donors or organisations can donate upwards of €100,000. Organisations or potential donors can contact Seanie or Nell at GIY at growatschool@giy.ie