This year, not-for-profit organisation GIY Ireland is encouraging families to stick a seed in the ground as part of Operation GIY Nation, which is being supported by AIB Bank. Each month between April and September, GIY will be publishing a simple growing project for families on the Operation GIY Nation website – www.giyireland.com/giynation.
Operation GIY Nation projects are simple and easy to understand, and accessible to all, regardless of the level of expertise and the amount of space available. They start at a very basic level, and each month will build up your experience level.
All six projects can be done with the minimum of fuss and investment – basically a few pots, some seeds and some compost. Operation GIY Nation retail partner Woodies DIY will be helping with offers in store.
GIY patron Ella McSweeney comments: “Sow it, Grow it, Eat it: three easy steps that will save your money, your time and your health! I’m thrilled to be part of Operation GIY Nation. People throughout Ireland can follow the simple growing projects on giyireland.com that will transform what they can eat. Healthy, affordable fresh fruit and vegetables should be available to everyone and this is exactly what Operation GIY Nation is about: helping Ireland grow.”
Six ‘pioneer’ families have been chosen to lead the way and to compete for a top prize of Eur1,000 worth of GIY goodies. Anyone taking part in Operation GIY Nation can follow the progress of the pioneer families via their blogs, photos and videos that will be uploaded to the Operation GIY Nation website.
GIY’s vision is for a healthier, more connected and more sustainable world where people grow their own food. There are over 100 GIY community groups and the organisation will reach approximately 30,000 people with GIY projects in 2012. GIY is a registered charity. For more information visit www.giyireland.com.
CAPTION:
Pictured at the launch of GIY’s campaign to get families growing food together, Operation GIY Nation, were GIY patron Ella McSweeney and Fern Stewart (7).