City Academy launches free Friday food market with support from FareShare, The Trussell Trust and Mr Singh’s Pizza
City Academy in Birmingham, part of CORE Education Trust, has launched a food market, a weekly event created to support students and their families, while also extending help to the wider local community.
The food market, held every Friday afternoon on the school site, provides free fresh and non-perishable food to students. Members of the local community and individuals experiencing homelessness are also warmly welcomed. Visitors can select what they need and take bags of food home, with no cost attached.
The initiative is made possible through partnerships with FareShare, and local business Mr Singh's Pizza, who have provided vital support and donations. Mr Singh’s Pizza generously donates one hundred free pizzas each week.
In addition to fresh produce, the market offers a range of cupboard staples and other essential items to help families manage rising living costs.
A unique feature of the food market is the leadership shown by students themselves. Student leaders volunteer their time each week to sort donations, organise displays and help ensure the market runs smoothly.
Raj Mann, executive headteacher at City Academy, said: "We are incredibly proud of our food market. This is about dignity, compassion and community. No one should feel embarrassed about needing support. By working together with our partners and our student leaders, we are creating a space where everyone feels welcome.”
