Sowing seeds of wellbeing on a farm in County Limerick

A NEW recipe book about the Happy Saplings programme for primary school children run by Doon Social Farm has been devised by students at University of Limerick (UL).

The Happy Saplings programme is a six-week farm-to-fork programme for primary schools. It uses the social farming principles of farm work and connection with nature to create an environment where everyone is accepted just as they are. The children harvest food, prepare it and eat it.

Through hands-on learning and fun, accessible recipes, the programme encourages children to grow in confidence while discovering the joy of preparing nutritious meals. They learn about where food comes from, what makes a healthy diet and get a free copy of The Happy Saplings Recipe Book.

Master’s students in the School of Human Nutrition and Dietetics in UL researched the whole Happy Sapling programme and found that it really benefitted children who struggle in a classroom setting.

READ MORE: Concerns raised over local eating disorder service gap in Limerick

Teachers and parents said they saw increased confidence, children happier and more relaxed, and better teamwork and cooperation with each other.

The researchers reported that the farm environment was supportive, calm and non- judgemental, something that children don’t always experience.

This type of programme prevents future health issues and reduces pressure in the health system. The benefits it delivers go far beyond the investment of time and money. This is a life-long learning opportunity that improves mental, physical and social health.

The evidence uncovered by the researchers showed that the Happy Saplings programme really works to support children’s wellbeing.

The Happy Saplings recipe book was officially launched by Pat O’Sullivan, CEO of Master Chefs, who also sponsored the publication. Anne Griffin, lecturer at the School of Human Nutrition and Dietetics provided the research findings at the launch and Anne Maher, from the Urban Co-op, talked about how food has become processed and lost much of it’s original nutrition. She said food is medicine and we need to eat as much fresh food, especially organic food, as possible.

This recipe book will be available online at www.ballyhouraruralservices.ie by mid-June. Printed copies are available at Doon Social Farm.