Local school children will trade the classroom for a taste of market life next week, as they sell fresh, school-grown fruit and vegetables to the public in support of great causes.
The children will be selling their produce on Tuesday 8 July 11:30 –13:30 on Paradise Street at Liverpool ONE.
This is part of the national food education programme, Young Marketeers, run by the charity School Food Matters and supported by The National Lottery Community Fund. It gives children the opportunity to grow food from seed with the help of expert gardeners before harvesting and selling their fresh, tasty produce to their local community.
Dozens of enterprising children from a record 15 schools from across the region will sell potatoes, kale, beetroot, courgettes, strawberries, blackcurrants, various herbs, and more at their stalls on the day, putting the marketing training they’ve had into practice.
All the money raised on the day will go to local organisations tackling food insecurity, including Feeding Liverpool. Some of the participating schools have also supported the Right to Food campaign, led by Ian Byrne, MP for West Derby, which aims to make access to food a legal right for all.
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.”
Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, said:
“We are incredibly passionate about championing sustainability and supporting young people at Liverpool ONE, so we’re excited to welcome the Young Marketeers back to sell the produce they’ve been working so hard to grow and raise funds for such a good cause.
“Throughout the summer, we’re welcoming multiple community groups and local organisations as part of our summer programme, providing a platform for local communities. It’s inspiring to see the talent across our region and particularly the passion of the younger generations. We can’t wait to try some of the fruit and veg!”
School Food Matters delivers fully funded food education programmes in schools across the country and campaigns for improvements to the school food system, helping children develop an informed and positive relationship with food.
In a 2024 survey of children taking part in Young Marketeers, 63% said the programme taught them a new gardening skill, 52% discovered something new about where food comes from, and 61% gained new knowledge about healthy eating.
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