This week, some of Bedford’s youngest and most enterprising residents will swap school uniforms for market stalls as they sell fresh fruit and vegetables grown in their school gardens.
On Wednesday, 2 July, from 12:00 to 14:00 at Bedford Market, children from six local schools will take part in Young Marketeers, a nationwide programme run by the charity School Food Matters.
The initiative teaches children to grow food from seed, harvest it, and then sell it to the public, all while learning about healthy eating, sustainability, and food poverty.
The Bedford cohort has been supported by Food etc., a Bedford-based organisation that teaches practical cooking skills.
Together with their parents, the students have learned how to make budget-friendly, healthy meals using their homegrown ingredients.
On Market Day, the young traders will be selling everything from potatoes and kale to blackcurrants, herbs and strawberries, putting their new skills and their sales pitches to the test.
All proceeds will benefit the Bedford Food Bank, supporting local families in need.
“Fruits of their labour”
Stephanie Slater, founder and chief executive at School Food Matters, said: “We want every child to understand that food begins in the soil, not on a supermarket shelf.
“There’s no better way to bring that to life than by giving children the chance to grow their own fruit and vegetables at school.
“For the last 14 years, the Young Marketeers programme has been educating children about food production, sparking entrepreneurial spirit, nurturing healthy eating habits, and building awareness around food waste.
“We can’t wait for this year’s Market Day to see the children proudly showcase the fruits of their labour.”
Julie Clay, founder and director of food etc., added, “We provide the last bit of the jigsaw in the Young Marketeers programme by teaching children and parents how to make cheap, tasty and healthy meals with just a few simple and natural ingredients.
“They learn not only is it cheaper and healthier, but vitally, it’s a fun way to spend time together too.”
All members of the public are welcome to visit Bedford Market on the day.
