Project offers Dromore group food for thought
DROMORE’S Jolly Jesters is one of 22 high-achieving childcare groups to benefit from a new initiative aimed at teaching youngsters the importance of nutritious food and a healthy lifestyle while highlighting the role of the local agriculture industry.
To that end the Dromore group - in common with other Northern Ireland playgroups and daycare centres who, like Jolly Jesters, are members of Early Years and have attained outstanding quality standards - has been presented with a gift, including a toy barn, playset and tractor.
Jolly Jesters was recently awarded a grade of ‘outstanding’ following an inspection of the quality of services provided.
Rewarding that achievement is agricultural feeds company John Thompson and Sons, who have partnered with young children’s organisation, Early Years, to launch the new initiative as the the first step in a project to help 32,000 young children who attend Early Years member groups understand the importance of nutritious food and learn more about the agriculture industry.
Thompsons’ CEO Declan Billington said the company had been looking at developing links with the community for some time and the chance to work with Early Years afforded the opportunity to give something tangible back to the communities it serves.
“We wanted to enter into an initiative which will be long lasting, and will have a positive impact right across communities in these difficult times,” he said. “To that end we’re launching an educational and support initiative which will help very young children develop an interest in the natural habitat and in nutrition from an early age.”
Next year the company plans to roll out an educational nutrition initiative across every Early Years member group, which amounts to reaching 32,620 children and an estimated 12,500 families.
Early Years Chief Executive Siobhan Fitzpatrick said, “There is an Early Years member group in every rural parish village and town across Northern Ireland and as Thompsons also reach into every rural community across Northern Ireland it’s an excellent fit for both organisations to come together.”
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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