As part of the Year of Food and Farming, New Covent Garden Market (NCGM) is giving children from seven local schools the chance to learn about food, farming and the countryside.
Under the initiative, a class from each school is visiting a farm to see how their food is grown, before visiting NCGM so they can understand how the food on their plate at school got there. The schools are also competing to see which of them can develop a sustainable garden and grow something edible by the beginning of July.
Jan Lloyd, chief executive of Covent Garden Market Authority, said: “Nearly half the fresh produce on the plate outside the home in London comes from NCGM, and hundreds of schools in London get their fruit and vegetables from us. We have been overwhelmed by the schools’ response to this initiative.”
During their visit to the market, the children take part in a quiz, learn how to make smoothies or fruit kebabs and play specially designed games around the theme of healthy eating. As part of the project, Margaret McMillan House Outdoor Education Centre and Wandsworth’s Children’s Services have developed a Fruit and Vegetable Hub Challenge. This is a collaborative learning activity aimed at developing the children’s knowledge about the positive benefits of eating produce.
Gary Marshall, chairman of Covent Garden Market Tenants’ Association, pictured with children from Westbridge School on the market last week, said: “These kids are the next generation of fruit buyers, and we are delighted to give them the opportunity to learn first hand what good food is all about. ”
The project will culminate in a celebration event at the market on July 9, at which the winner of the schools’ gardening competition will be presented with their prize by a leading chef.
