connect 2017 • 20 “We’ve witnessed first-hand over the years the many thou- sands of transformations that food empathy can make in the lives of people and communities in Ireland,” says Michael Kelly, founder of GIY. “We’ve seen how it can bring people to a new level of physical and mental wellbeing and happiness. We’ve always viewed our task as leading that transformation, and at scale. Receiving The Ireland Funds Flagship Grant was an endorsement of our work, because it showed us that a major grant making organization believes that putting food back at the centre of Irish communities is important work too.” A Winning Combination The economic and social benefit of recruiting, training and support- ing budding Cottage Marketeers nationwide drew the attention of The Ireland Funds and other funding sources. They also saw the enormous potential in setting up several locations throughout the country for micro-entrepreneurs to hone their skills and develop their passions. The double impact of training and upskilling locals, and providing communities with a social and economic nucleus is a winning combination. The financial support is now helping to establish 20 new Cottage Markets. GIY will provide everything from a tailor-made training program marketing materials and equipment like trestle tables and gazebos. “We hope that Cottage Markets in communities across Ireland will provide people with an opportunity to take simple but effective action,” says Karen. “By putting homegrown and homemade food back in the heart of their communities where it belongs. In fact, we know they will.” GIY COTTAGE MARKETS