[School Food Matters]

CHILDREN in Islington will put their trader caps on and sell school-grown fresh produce to the public at Chapel Market.

Children from three secondary schools in the borough have spent the last few months learning how to grow fresh fruit and veg from seeds, as part of “Know Your Onions”, a food education programme run by food organisation School Food Matters.

The three Islington schools involved are Beacon High School, Richard Cloudesley School and The Bridge Secondary School.

On July 9, visitors to Chapel Market can expect to find students selling a colourful range of seasonal produce, such as beetroot, carrots, parsley, peas and potatoes, alongside much more.

Dela Foster, Head of Food Education at School Food Matters, said: “Food education shouldn’t stop at primary school. Know Your Onions gives young people the chance to build practical life skills, from growing and cooking food to understanding where it comes from and how it connects to health and the environment.

“Market Day is always a fantastic opportunity for students to share what they’ve learned and feel proud of what they’ve achieved.”

Alongside learning how to grow food, students aged 11-16 also take part in cooking masterclasses and visit a market garden to learn more about food production and sustainable farming.

School Food Matters founder Stephanie Slater added: “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 giving children the chance to grow their own fruit and vegetables at school while sparking their entrepreneurial spirit and nurturing healthy eating habits and awareness about food waste.

“Market Day is showing shoppers the fruits of their labour.”