Tiny traders give stall holders a run for their money

Tiny traders give stall holders a run for their money…

This week Borough Market welcomed a special group of budding traders back to its famous arches as part of its 1,000^th year celebrations.

Local school children from Southwark and neighbouring boroughs gave regular traders a run for their money when they set up stalls selling seasonal summer produce that they had grown from seed.

The green-fingered pupils developed their talent for cultivation and learned how to tend to their crops from best in the business Blue Peter gardener Chris Collins, who offered advice on how to get the most from their school gardens and vegetable plots.

The Summer Sale is part of the Grow Your Own project supported by Borough Market and School Food Matters, a charity whose mission is to ensure that every child enjoys fresh, sustainable food at school and understands where their food comes from. With the help of funding from United St. Saviour’s Charity, the programme has become increasingly successful with more pupils taking part every year.

Southwark MP Neil Coyle, who attended the event to see his youngest constituents in action, said: “Too many local children don’t have outside space at home. Having food growing schemes at schools and in community gardens is vital for our kids to learn about where their food comes from – and to know they can still take part. I’d like to add my thanks to everyone who participated in the Young Marketeers programme and to the excellent Borough Market for hosting.”

Keith Davis, Managing Director of Borough Market, added: “The Summer Sale is the culmination of months of hard work where the next generation have learnt not only about the growing and selling business but also exactly how food reaches their plates. This ‘grass roots level’ project teaches the importance of respecting food and where it comes from.”

Stephanie Wood, Founder and Director of School Food Matters said: “We are hugely grateful to Borough Market and United St Saviours Charity for inviting us back to Borough so that local children can experience the joys of growing and harvesting fresh summer fruit and vegetables.”   

The sale raised £303, which equates to 1,200 meals delivered by FareShare, an award winning charity which seeks to relieve food poverty by rescuing good food that would otherwise go to waste.

More info?

For more information about Borough Market, its traders and events please visit www.boroughmarket.org.uk