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WHY IS FOOD GROWING IMPORTANT? For the first time in human history the number of diet-related diseases has surpassed that of infectious diseases. Ireland has the highest obesity in children under 5 in the EU. The global food system is responsible for up to one-third of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. In Ireland over 90% of fruit and vegetables consumed are imported. When people grow some of their own food they develop a deeper connection with food which we call Food Empathy. Food growers have better diets, recycle more, waste less. Therefore, food growing is a proven lever to a healthier, happier and more sustainable lifestyle.

§ WHAT IS GIY? GIY is an emerging global food movement which started in Waterford. Our aim is to make nutritious food and wellbeing a reality for all regardless of income levels. The GIY community is people growing food at home, school, work and in the community. In 2016 we will support 150,000 people and 4,500 community groups in Ireland and the UK.

GIY IN ACTION At home: supporting people to grow their own food wherever they call home. At school: 130,000 children in the GIY Sow & Grow schools campaign 2016. At work: 500 workplaces took part in in the Grow at Work campaign 2015. In the Community: 400 community food projects supported by the GIY Get Ireland Growing Fund 2013-2015

GIY - Social Enterprise GIY is a not-for-profit social enterprise and a company limited by guarantee that currently employs 9 people based in, Waterford. We raise this income through: Sponsored food-growing campaigns for schools, workplaces and the community with partners such as Bord Bia, Cully & Sully, Aramark and innocent. GIY@Work – corporate wellness programme training employees to grow food at work as a lever to a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. GIY Supporters Retail Friends – contributions from relevant retailers to advertise and feature in GIY publications in print and online. GIY Supporter Scheme – GIYers pay €35 per annum to receive our quarterly magazine GROW as well as other resources to help them to grow food. GIY Retail online shop selling branded products and merchandise including seeds, books, magazines, tools etc. Sales of fresh produce to markets and restaurants Courses at GIY HQ

Our Next Step In September 2016 GIY will open GROW HQ, its €1.4m national food education centre, in Waterford. GROW HQ will be a grow school, cookery school, home-grown food café, farm shop and training gardens. GROW HQ will be a self-sustaining social enterprise that will generate up to 22 jobs and help GIY to impact the lives of over 500,000 people in its first 5 years.

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