Leeds primary and special schools invited to join Young Marketeers food growing programme

School Food Matters is recruiting Leeds primary and special schools to take part in Young Marketeers during the 2026–27 academic year. The charity’s flagship food education programme gives children the opportunity to grow their own fruit and vegetables and sell their harvest at a local community market. Through hands-on gardening and outdoor learning, children develop practical skills, learn where their food comes from and gain a deeper understanding of how it is grown. 

At last year’s Leeds Market Day at Kirkgate Market, children had the chance to sell the fruit, vegetables, herbs and plants they had grown at school. One teacher said, “I’ve never seen them so animated”, while another reflected: “These kids… they’re so confident here. They’re different children in class. You don’t always have to be in the classroom.” 

Young Marketeers is fully funded, so there is no cost for participating schools. The programme is delivered in schools with above-average levels of free school meal eligibility.

Find out more about Young Marketeers on the School Food Matters website or email sophie@schoolfoodmatters.org to express interest. 

Young Marketeers Leeds Market Day 2026