Young Marketeers raise over £760 for FareShare Greater Manchester

“Food comes from soil”

That was the simple but powerful reflection from one of the pupils taking part in this year’s  School Food Matters Young Marketeers event in Manchester, and one that perfectly captured the purpose of this inspiring initiative.

On Friday 10 July, six primary schools from across Greater Manchester transformed Market Street into a bustling marketplace, selling organic fruit, vegetables, herbs, flowers and plants they had grown themselves. Between them, the Young Marketeers raised an incredible £764.75 for FareShare Greater Manchester.

Practical skills

Now in its third year in Manchester, the Young Marketeers programme helps children understand where food comes from while developing practical skills in growing, sustainability and entrepreneurship. From sowing seeds and caring for crops to marketing and selling their produce, pupils experience the full journey from plot to stall, while learning about the importance of sustainable food systems and food security.

Passing shoppers stopped to browse the colourful stalls, chat with the pupils and purchase their home-grown produce, helping to raise vital funds to support FareShare Greater Manchester’s work redistributing good-to-eat surplus food to charities and community groups across the region.

The event was also attended by Manchester’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Shaukat Ali, alongside local MPs, councillors, and other supporters, all keen to celebrate the children’s achievements and the success of the programme.

The importance of learning where food comes from

Kuda Mangurenje, Business Development Manager at FareShare Greater Manchester, said:

 “One of the children told me, ‘Food comes from soil.’ It was such a simple statement, but it perfectly captured why programmes like Young Marketeers are so important. They help young people understand where food comes from, why sustainable food systems matter and the vital role agriculture plays in feeding our communities.

 “Watching the pupils confidently sell the produce they had grown themselves was incredibly inspiring. They’ve developed new skills, gained confidence and, through their fundraising, will also help support charities and community groups across Greater Manchester. We are so grateful to everyone who supported the event.”

Thank you to everyone who made it possible

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to School Food Matters for once again bringing the Young Marketeers programme to Manchester and choosing FareShare Greater Manchester as this year’s charity partner.

A huge thank you also goes to the six participating schools; Abbott Community Primary in Collyhurst, All Saints Primary in Gorton, Armitage Primary in Ardwick, Moss Valley Primary in Irlam, St Margaret’s C of E Primary in Whalley Range and St Richard’s RC Primary in Longsight. Thanks to the teachers and volunteers who supported the children throughout the project, and of course to the pupils themselves. Their enthusiasm, knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit were a joy to see, and they should be incredibly proud of everything they achieved.

Finally, thank you to everyone who visited Market Street, bought produce from the children’s stalls and helped raise £764.75 for FareShare Greater Manchester. We are also grateful to Manchester’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Shaukat Ali, and the other local dignitaries and elected representatives who took the time to attend and show their support.

A lasting impact

Events like Young Marketeers demonstrate how education, sustainability and community can come together to create lasting impact. Not only are young people learning valuable life skills, they are also helping to build a future where good food is valued, food waste is reduced and more people have access to nutritious food.

We can’t wait to see what next year’s Young Marketeers achieve.

Photo credit: School Food Matters