Galway School Cultivates Win in 2025 in National Green-Initiative

Green thumbs are alive and well at Creagh National School in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. The school has just been announced as the 2025 national winner of the SuperValu Let’s GROW initiative — a classroom-based food growing programme from GIY, in partnership with SuperValu. 

Advertisement

Now in its third year, SuperValu Let’s GROW is rooted in one big idea: helping young people understand the importance of growing food sustainably. Through the programme, primary school pupils across Ireland are discovering the magic of homegrown food, the positive impact on their health and community, and the power they have to protect the planet.

Creagh NS stood out for its creativity, bringing the challenges to life in a fun and engaging way. Embracing the SuperValu Let’s Grow programme - which champions the idea that there’s always space to grow - their classroom was transformed into a greenhouse of learning. From growing to cooking and eating, each challenge was thoughtfully designed and tended to by the students themselves, making the experience truly come alive.

Each school that participated in SuperValu Let’s GROW received a classroom-ready kit packed with seeds, compost, pots, and learning resources linked to the curriculum. The goal? To inspire real-world, sustainable learning experiences.

Above: Photo by Andrew Downes

Mick Kelly, Founder of GIY, praised the school’s efforts:"Creagh NS brought the spirit of sustainability to life in their classrooms and beyond. Their project is a brilliant example of how growing food can empower young people to engage with climate action and sustainable living in a fun, practical way."

Michelle Griffin, SuperValu Strategy Marketing Manager added:
"At SuperValu, we believe in the power of community and the importance of sustainability. Through SuperValu Let’s GROW, we’re helping schools foster those values from the ground up — and Creagh NS has shown just how impactful that can be."

As this year’s national winners, Creagh National School will receive a €1,000 garden development grant to continue expanding their growing efforts and deepening their commitment to sustainable education.

Since its launch, SuperValu Let’s GROW has reached more than 150,000 pupils across Ireland — equipping young minds with the tools, skills, and inspiration to grow food in a way that respects people and planet.

Find out more about the programme here.

Feature image by Andrew Downes