Humax Horticulture announce support for
Gardening with Schools initiative

Date: 09/05/07

Growing media and compost specialists, Humax Horticulture have announced their support for the Gardening with Schools initiative developed by the National Federation of Women’s Institutes – Wales.

As part of the project, Humax will now sponsor the schools involved by donating Organic Potato Bags to each. The project aims to encourage children to eat healthily by growing their own fruit and vegetables and introduce them to the concept of food origins.

The initiative was set up in 2005 thanks to a grant from the Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust. Since July 2006, the initiative has been funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and it currently supports over 90 schools throughout Wales. Also championed by noted horticulturist, Medwyn Williams, its purpose is to give children an opportunity to gain practical experience of creating vegetable and wildlife areas and to take part in activities such as planting and garden maintenance. WI members have been assigned to local primary schools to establish the vegetable gardens and further support them with simple demonstrations on the preparation and cooking of vegetables to the children.

Humax Managing Director Jonathan Cox commented, ‘Its great to see the children getting outdoors and having hands-on experience in small focussed groups on how to grow and nurture plants.”

He continues, “These schemes are tremendously important and tackle a host of topical issues from supporting the government’s healthy eating schemes and reinforcing the 5 a day campaign, through to getting our children outdoors and active. Home grown food is cheap, nutritious and flavoursome and parents can have the satisfaction of knowing their children are taking an active interest in understanding where food really does come from, whilst learning to appreciate their local environment.”

“Our children’s food knowledge and perceptions have been damaged in recent years and this scheme tackles the issue head on in a fun and engaging way. We’re proud to be involved”

“We chose to supply the organic potato bag as not all schools are blessed with sprawling gardens. These bags can be positioned pretty much anywhere and the children can monitor the plants growth and development week by week.”

Rhian Connick, Head of NFWI – Wales Office adds, “ Its great to see the horticultural community is taking a keen interest in education and developing our children’s attitudes to nutrition and the environment. By volunteering their support and resources, Humax have made a great contribution to the project .”