The Big Society is blooming in Hackbridge – a new way for residents to buy good value fruit and vegetables has been set up by enterprising local students working in partnership with the Veg Van. Pupils at Hackbridge Primary School have set up a market stall and are using the opportunity to learn more about healthy eating and the world of business.
Pupils aged 10–11 years will be running the market. One of the keen pupils, Amy Cooper, said: “I think it is a really good idea to help people eat healthily at least once a week. I am really enjoying taking part.”
Seeta Rajani of local charity BioRegional who set up The Veg Van said: “Being a not-for-profit social enterprise we are always looking for new ways to get the local community excited about and involved in locally produced food. The students are our new franchisees! – it’s a great opportunity for them. As the produce is grown down the road at Sutton Community Farm it’s also a great way for families to get fresh veg and cut transport emissions”.
The market times for the Veg Van are currently:
- Hackbridge Primary School: Tuesdays 3pm – 3.45pm
- St. Helier hospital Re:treat restaurant: Wednesdays 12noon – 3pm
- Hackbridge Station: Wednesdays 4.30pm – 8pm
- Carshalton Station: Thursdays 4.30pm – 8pm
The Veg Van is part of the three-year One Planet Food project funded by the Big Lottery Local Food Fund, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, NHS Sutton and Merton, Sutton Council and with in-kind support from Southern Railway. It is part of One Planet Sutton – promoting sustainable council services, sustainable lifestyles and workplaces within the London Borough of Sutton.
Visit www.vegvan.org.uk for more information.
