Schoolchildren become market traders for the day

Schoolchildren who became market traders for the day selling produce they grew themselves said it helped boost their confidence.

Pupils from across Bedford sold fresh goods like flowers, strawberries, potatoes and chillies at the town's market on Wednesday.

Organised by charity School Food Matters and Bedford-based Food etc, it was aimed at teaching children about food and retailing, with proceeds going to a local food bank.

Moyosore, 10, from Cauldwell School, learned how to sell and talk to strangers, and how you "need to catch people's eyes by using my voice and projecting it", she said.

Samantha, eight, from Cauldwell, said the whole day was "fun" and the best things were "being here with friends" and selling items like lavender bags to customers.

Moyosore said: "I've enjoyed selling the flowers, the chard and arranging the fat balls.

"I've learnt how to sell things, to be nice talking to strangers. It's given me more confidence."

Natala, 10, said she loved "working together and helping a charity raising funds".

All money raised from the day went to Bedford Foodbank.

Tsveti, nine, a pupil from Priory Primary, sold "a lot" of grown produce, such as spider plants, beans, tomato plants and radishes.

Filip, nine, said: "I've enjoyed selling loads of food and seeing customers happy."

Omar from the Place, a Bedford home school programme, loved selling items like chillies, rhubarb, butternut squash, strawberries, beetroot and lettuce with his friends.

"You get to see them grow every week. You can see a big improvement and you see how big they've grown."

Dela Foster, development manager for School Food Matters, said the children sold fruit and vegetables they had grown since February and March.

"We introduce them to new fruit and vegetables that they've never eaten before, as they're much more likely to try it if they've grown it themselves," she said.

"It really builds their self-esteem and confidence."

Julie Millard, from Kings Oak Primary School, said she was "so proud" of her "brilliant" pupils.

"They really enjoyed it. They've been really enthusiastic about growing the produce, picking the plants and understanding how plants grow."

James Honour, from Nash's Bakery, had a stall close by. He said: "I've been doing this for a few years and I've learnt a few things. A girl was shouting, 'Don't be shy, give us a try,' and I'm going to remember that.

"They have a bright future. They've got all the enthusiasm in the world, hats off to them."

Shopper, Nadia, purchased potatoes and chard and she said it was a "very good idea".

She praised the children for being so "kind and patient".

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