SuperValu want to help local communities, schools and families lead the way in creating an Ireland where pollinators can thrive. Therefore, earlier this year, in collaboration with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, SuperValu launched their Save the Bees campaign in an effort to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators and to support the local biodiversity in communities around Ireland. The campaign aims to educate and empower school children to make a difference.
In late February, every primary school in Ireland received a SuperValu Save the Bees Pollinator Pack. This pack contains guidebooks, posters and bookmarks, in addition to a wildflower garden kit, with native Irish seeds and a garden sign, to allow every school to create their own wildflower patch, which can be replicated in home gardens across Ireland.
Unfortunately due to the COVID19 outbreak and subsequent school closures, this programme has had to be put on hold for the time being, but these educational materials will be useful classroom resources for teachers for many years to come.
Dr. Una Fitzpatrick, Chair of the All Ireland Pollinator Plan said, “Ireland’s wild pollinators are in serious decline, but we can change this. The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is a call to action to all of us. It is about communicating to everyone exactly how to help in the most effective way possible. The new ‘Save the Bees’ campaign epitomises this, and we are delighted to partner with SuperValu in educating and empowering children across 3,200 primary schools on how to help change the fate of our pollinators for the better. “
Commenting on the campaign, Des O’Mahony, SuperValu Strategy Manager said “Pollination is key for crop production, without it a number of the products, particularly in the fruit and veg section of our stores, would disappear from our shelves. In SuperValu we understand how serious the problem of pollinator decline in Ireland is and are delighted to work with the All Ireland Pollinator Plan to make change through our Save the Bees campaign. This new initiative will help families and schools around Ireland take steps to reverse pollinator loss in their communities. SuperValu Save The Bees packs have been sent to every school in Ireland, these packs will support awareness, education and action for school children.”
For more information on the SuperValu Save the Bees campaign visit https://supervalu.ie/real-people/save-the-bees
In 2020, the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Project Officer position has been funded by SuperValu.