In a remarkable initiative sparked by a Year 5 student, Georgia Turner, a local school community in the Whitsundays is addressing food waste while promoting fresh produce sharing. Georgia observed that her neighbor’s mandarin tree often yielded more fruit than could be consumed, leading her to propose the establishment of a farmers’ market at her school after watching an episode of ABC TV’s War on Waste.
Motivated by the excess fruit going to waste, Georgia approached her school’s deputy principal, Samantha Hinton, with her idea. Her proposal was met with enthusiasm, and the concept quickly gained traction. Georgia expressed her joy at seeing her initial idea grow significantly, stating, “I felt very happy and excited because my little idea has turned into a big thing.”
The outcome was the launch of a bi-weekly farmers’ market at St Catherine’s Catholic College, aimed at uniting students, parents, and the wider community. Hinton noted that Market Day has become a highly anticipated event on the school calendar, creating a lively atmosphere that enhances community spirit. “It’s just a really nice way to start that day,” she remarked, praising the students for their professionalism in presenting their products.
Held every other Friday before school, the markets operate for half an hour starting at 8 am, allowing students, staff, and families to participate. Offerings at the market range from fresh eggs and honey to baked goods and seasonal fruits.
Beyond merely reducing food waste, the farmers’ market provides students with valuable educational experiences. Each student is actively involved in every stage of producing and selling their goods, with minimal parental involvement aside from initial setup and breakdown of stalls. They are tasked with creating marketing materials, pricing their products, and learning customer service skills, which encompass handling transactions and engaging with customers.
Mrs. Hinton emphasized that the market initiative aligns with various curriculum areas, including mathematics, literacy, and sustainability. She noted plans to further educate parents on the financial aspects of the market, ensuring that students understand the costs associated with their products.
Parent Monica Falconer shared her observations of the positive impact on her daughters, Alice and Lucy, who manage their own stall with produce from their family farm. “I’ve really enjoyed seeing my daughters’ people skills improve,” she said, highlighting their confidence in interacting with customers and managing sales transactions.
The anticipation surrounding Market Day has become a cherished experience for the siblings, who eagerly prepare their offerings. “I love seeing their anticipation and excitement,” Falconer noted, as they organize their fruits, vegetables, and eggs and calculate prices.
With several months of successful markets behind them and plans for expansion into 2026, Georgia hopes her initiative will inspire other schools to utilize surplus local produce. “You just need a supportive school and a teacher that will wake up early for markets,” she advised.
