Annual harvest event gives kids the chance to learn new skills
Borough Market is gearing up to put the traders of tomorrow in the spotlight on 2 October with its annual Young Marketeers Harvest Sale.
The Young Marketeers programme gives children the opportunity to get their hands in the soil and discover where their food comes from. With the support of food educators and Borough Market traders, pupils not only deepen their knowledge of healthy, seasonal, British-grown vegetables, but have the unique opportunity to develop the skills needed to market and sell their own produce in Borough Market.
The Young Marketeers programme is delivered by charities School Food Matters and Borough Market.
According to previous research from Borough Market, while children are generally familiar with common produce – 95 per cent were able to correctly recognise carrots and strawberries – the easy-to-grow courgette and beetroot were identified by just 31 and 28 per cent of children respectively.
Initiatives such as the Young Marketeers sale help close these gaps and broaden children’s food literacy, the market said.
Borough’s traders play a central role in the programme, sharing their expertise to help students develop business know-how, presentation skills and the confidence to engage with customers. By passing on a legacy of knowledge about quality produce and customer service, the project sets out to inspire the next generation of chefs, growers and market traders.
This year’s Harvest Sale will once again support food redistribution charity Plan Zheroes, which has worked with Borough Market traders since 2014 to collect surplus food and deliver it to charities and community groups across London.
Alistair Maddox, CEO at Borough Market, said: “Harvest is one of the most special times of year at Borough Market and it’s a joy to see the next generation of Londoners taking their place behind our stalls.
“The Young Marketeers sale is more than just a fun day out – it’s a way of equipping children with food knowledge, cooking skills and the experience of running a business. As a charitable trust, sharing our love for good food with the community is at the heart of what we do, and this programme embodies that spirit.”
The event takes place on 2 October from 11am to 1.30pm.
