An exciting new local food market will begin this month at Twickenham Primary School in Kingstanding. Stalls will include a range of local produce including bread, fruit juice, jams and pickles and fresh fruit and vegetables alongside store cupboard essentials, Christmas treats and even a free Christmas wreath-making workshop. The stalls focus on fresh local produce that is affordable for all.
The farmers market is just one part of an innovative two year programme called “Diggin’ Generations” which aims to get Kingstanding families growing, cooking and eating their own healthy food. A new community garden and kitchen will host growing and cooking workshops, a fresh produce stall takes place weekly at the school gate and a pupil led local food social enterprise is being set up with year 5 pupils.
Felicia Grice project manager for Forest schools Birmingham said; “We passionately believe that what you eat and feed to your family is enormously important to your health and well-being. Eating well, and particularly growing your own food, keeps you fit and healthy, saves you money and offers a great way to enjoy time outside with your family and friends.”
A group of year 5 pupils have already been working to develop their business ideas for some fantastic products including healthy cakes and ready to cook meals using local produce and vegetables grown in the school garden. Year 5 will be presenting their business ideas at the Farmers Market event and finding out what people think of their healthy food business plans.
Pupils Fatima and Jack said “with our business ideas, we are trying to make the world a bit better. We can’t wait to run our own business, and be in charge- we are even going to get parents to cook some of our products for us!”
Farmers markets are set to be a regular feature at Twickenham with several more planned for 2012. Pupils will eventually sell their products at their own stall at the markets. A weekly fresh produce stall also takes place at 3pm every Monday during term time at the school gate.
To get involved in the project or for more information call Forest Schools Birmingham on 08456 34 05 56.