Laois school steals the show in creative growing challenge
St Fintan's BNS Mountrath was named a runner up in the competition
A Laois school has been named runner up in Supervalu's 'Let's Grow' competition.
St. Fintan’s BNS, Mountrath has been named a runner-up in the national Cress Head challenge.
Now in its third year, SuperValu Let’s Grow is inspiring children across Ireland to dig into the joy of growing their own food - and County Laois is proudly celebrating.
Whether it’s a school garden, a sunny windowsill, or just a few pots by the door, Laois classrooms are proving that even the smallest space can be a place to grow.
Pictured: Jayden's 'In’cress’ible' cress house- St Fintan's BNS, Mountrath
"The children loved getting creative with their cress seeds and designing their own cress houses," she said.
"A big well done to all the boys for their fantastic ideas and hard work. We were delighted to hear we had come runners up!" the Mountrath teacher finished.
The initiative helps students learn where food comes from, build food empathy, and enjoy hands-on learning - all while having fun!
Delivered by SuperValu in partnership with GIY, Let’s Grow provides everything schools need to get started.
Earlier this year, participating Laois schools received free Classroom Kits filled with seeds, compostable pots, and expert growing guides. Now, classrooms are in full swing, tending to seedlings and seeing their efforts come to life.
The first nationwide challenge, Cress Head, encouraged students to grow cress and turn it into funky-haired characters. St. Fintan’s BNS impressed judges with their imaginative “In’cress’ible Houses,” earning them a spot among the top schools nationwide for their creativity and classroom enthusiasm.
Winners will shortly be announced for the From Garden to Plate recipe challenge, where students will transform their harvests into fresh, homegrown meals.
There’s still time to join the current Great Veggie Taste Test challenge for the chance to win - and be in the running to secure €1,000 for your school.
Super Valu Let’s Grow is on track to reach 170,000 children nationwide by the end of the year - including thousands right here in Laois - sowing the seeds of healthy habits and lifelong learning.
For more information or to get involved visit here.