John Thompson and Sons has partnered with Early Years – the organisation for young children to launch a new initiative designed to give local children food for thought. 

As part of the initiative, Thompsons has provided a gift, including a toy barn play set and tractor, to playgroups and day care centres across Northern Ireland that are members of Early Years and who have attained outstanding quality standards.

The agricultural feeds company has rewarded 22 high achieving Early Years member groups. The launch of the initiative took place at Stepping Stones Playgroup in North Belfast. 

The project is the first step in an initiative to help 32,000 young children who attend Early Years member groups understand the importance of nutritious food and a healthy lifestyle. The children will also learn more about the role of the local agriculture industry.  

Thompsons’ CEO Declan Billington said that the company had been looking at developing its links with the community for some time, and that the oppor

tunity to work with Early Years allowed for a real chance to give something tangible back to the communities which it serves.

“John Thompson and Sons has been part of Northern Ireland’s agricultural landscape for decades and we’ve been looking to do something positive to help the communities which we work with for some time. 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. 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.”

He continued, “As soon as we met with Early Years, it was clear that there was a lot of common cause, and we’re delighted to make an initial gift to high achieving members of Early Years in recognition of the great work they do. Next year we plan 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.”

Siobhan Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive of Early Years said the initiative from Thompsons was highly prized: “Its not every day that a large company like Thompsons calls you up and makes such a generous offer. After several meetings it is clear to us that they are hugely committed to the communities which they serve and we are delighted to initially receive the gift of the Farm sets to reward excellence in our sector, and from there to develop our nutrition initiative. 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.”