Primary school pupils took centre stage at Bedford Market on 2 July, proudly selling produce they had grown themselves as part of the Young Marketers programme.
Despite the rain, the children showed remarkable adaptability, pitching their stalls, chatting to customers and raising funds for the Bedford food bank.
The project, run by charity School Food Matters in partnership with local food education group Food etc., aims to reconnect children with where their food comes from, starting from seed and ending in the community.
One of the organisers said the primary age group was key: “This is the perfect age to set those seeds in their brains, to make the connection between a tiny seed, the soil, and eventually, a plant they can cook or sell.
“You lose that link once kids hit school age, especially if families can’t afford access to fresh food regularly.”
Six schools participated in this year’s event, which has grown from four in its inaugural Bedford debut last summer.
The project runs from spring to summer and is targeted at schools with high numbers of pupils on free school meals, offering access to experiences and knowledge that may otherwise be out of reach.
“They’ve tried things they’ve never tasted before”
Teachers also saw the impact on students. A teacher from Priory Primary School said the hands-on learning built more than gardening skills.
She said: “They picked their own prices, learned to calculate totals, and discovered produce they didn’t even know existed. They’ve been learning when to water, how the sun affects plants, and this year, it’s been so hot they’ve had to work extra hard to keep things alive.”
Trying new foods was also a highlight:
The Priory primary school teacher added, “They tasted radishes for the first time, learned about flowers, and really understood what it takes to grow something. I think it gave them a new appreciation for fresh food, and even inspired some to grow things at home.”
The teacher said the moment of pride came during the harvest:
“They were so careful, so proud of what they’d grown. Even today, in the rain, they’re adjusting their selling style, adapting like real traders. Growing food teaches you that not everything goes to plan, but it’s about how you respond.”
“The excitement is infectious”
A spokesperson from Bedford Borough Council, who supported the event, praised the children’s enthusiasm and achievement:
“One of the nicest things is just hearing the chatter from the children. They are so excited and proud, and rightly so. What they’ve grown and what they’re doing today is absolutely fabulous. It’s infectious.”
Alongside gardening, children and families attended cooking sessions with Food etc. to learn how to make simple, affordable meals using their produce.
The aim is not just to grow food but to grow confidence, curiosity, and lifelong skills.
Organisers say they plan to bring the project back again next year and hope more schools will get involved.
“This is about giving every child the chance to get their hands in the soil, cook something healthy, and feel the pride of sharing it with someone else.”
