In an initiative that combines education, entrepreneurship, and community outreach, local primary school children in Birmingham will be trying their hand as market traders this weekend.
Armed with an abundance of school-grown fruits and vegetables, some of Brum’s youngsters will set up shop at the Bullring Open Market on Friday, July 14, from 11 am to 1 pm. The purpose of their efforts? To raise funds for a worthy cause: a food redistribution charity that supports vulnerable individuals in the area.
This unique initiative, aptly named Young Marketeers, is organised by the renowned charity School Food Matters. The program aims to provide children with hands-on experience in growing food with the guidance of expert gardeners and as they witness their efforts ‘bloom’ into fresh produce, the children also learn the essential skills of marketing and sales.
With the support of eight participating schools, dozens of enterprising children will be manning stalls filled to the brim with a colourful array of nature’s bounty. From potatoes to carrots, chard to herbs, and even raspberries, the stalls will showcase the diverse fruits and vegetables that these young farmers have lovingly nurtured.
All proceeds from the sale will be donated to Incredible Surplus, a charity dedicated to redistributing surplus food to vulnerable individuals in the area.
Dela Foster, the Development Manager of School Food Matters, emphasises the importance of programs like Young Marketeers. Over the past 12 years, thousands of children have had the opportunity to learn about food through hands-on cooking and growing experiences. Foster explains,
“It’s important that children know that food starts in the soil, not in the supermarket. It’s also about reconnecting children with nature. As one of the pupils said, ‘Planting is our own way of communicating with the earth.’ Clearly, this is not only a joyful program, it’s a vital one for children’s health and wellbeing.”
About School Food Matters
School Food Matters is renowned for its dedication to teaching children about food through various engaging projects. The charity also works tirelessly to improve children’s access to healthy and sustainable meals during their time at school. While the Young Marketeers program originated in London in 2012, Birmingham has proudly hosted it for the past four years. Looking to the future, School Food Matters calls upon local organisations and businesses interested in promoting food education and sustainability to get involved and ensure the program’s continuity in Birmingham and beyond.
