Students across London have been working hard tending to their gardens and allotments all term, and the crops have been bountiful. Marketplace events held this month, have seen them to come together to sell the produce from their plots and the yummy treats they have made, and what a success they have been.
Kicking off in Croydon on 5th July was the borough’s first ever schools food market. Children from 16 local schools sold their wares to Croydon residents who were delighted to grab a healthy bargain whilst helping the students to develop their business and communication skills.
On 7th July Borough Market was the venue for the School Food Matters’ Young Marketeers to pitch their stalls. Students sold a range of produce including peas, spinach, potatoes, beetroot and herbs, and their stalls proved to be as busy as the rest of the bustling market.
Amongst the crowds were the MP for School Food Sharon Hodgson, Mayor of Southwark Kath Whittam and the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark. All proceeds from the event were donated to FareShare to provide meals for vulnerable families.
On 12th July it was the turn of Tower Hamlets to host a magnificent marketplace with students from a number of local schools offering almost everything you could think of!
Last but certainly not least some savvy students made their sales at the City Hall Schools Marketplace on Thursday 14th July. Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan and Rosie Boycott, The Mayor of London’s Food Advisor and Chair of the London Food Board, visited the stalls hosted by six London schools and was difficult to choose from the huge array of edible treats grown and made by the students.
There are many more school marketplace events happening across London throughout the year. And if you haven’t yet started on your school food growing journey, we can give you lots of free advice and support to help you on your way.