The alarm buzzes early, but today, there's no hesitation.
A student sits up, rubbing their eyes as excitement takes over. Today isn't just any school day. It's the Giant Student Farmers Market.
As they get dressed, butterflies flutter in their stomach. Will people like the basil their class grew? What if they forget how to count change? There’s a lot running through their mind, but there’s no time to overthink it. They grab their backpack and head out the door.
At school, the real prep begins.
Classrooms, cafeterias, and outdoor gardens buzz with activity. Students double-check their produce, carefully packing it into bins alongside handmade crafts. Pricing signs are secured, booth decorations are accounted for, and supplies are loaded up. Teachers and volunteers move through the space, helping organize everything and making sure students have what they need before heading out.
Then, the buses arrive.
As students climb aboard, the nervousness starts to fade, replaced by a growing sense of excitement. They’re on their way to the market, where hundreds of customers, volunteers, and even professional sports mascots are waiting to welcome them.
As the bus pulls away, reality sets in. This is it. But long before students step onto that bus, months of preparation go into making this moment possible.
Months in the Making
The Giant Student Farmers Market may only last a few hours, but the work to bring it to life begins months in advance.
It all starts in the school gardens. Students plant seeds, monitor growth, and learn about the science behind sustainable farming. They track progress, troubleshoot plant health issues, and celebrate as their crops flourish. Meanwhile, students creating crafts—like handmade soaps, candles, and art—design, test, and refine their products to ensure they’re ready for market day.
But growing food and making goods is only part of the process.
As the event approaches, students shift their focus to the business side of things. They determine pricing, calculate supply costs, and practice customer service skills. Teachers guide them through hands-on lessons in financial literacy and marketing, helping them think like real entrepreneurs.
Behind the scenes, the Green Our Planet team works tirelessly to bring everything together, ensuring that every detail is in place before students arrive at the market.
- Partnerships & Sponsorships – Each season, we connect with and collaborate alongside businesses and community leaders who share our passion for sustainability, education, youth entrepreneurship, and community empowerment. These partnerships provide essential funding, resources, and hands-on support to help bring the market to life. Sponsors and partners contribute financially, volunteer alongside students, provide mentorship, and amplify the market’s impact, ensuring students have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.
- Event Logistics – Securing the right venue, obtaining permits, and managing the many moving parts of a large-scale event takes careful coordination. We work closely with our venue partner to plan the layout, ensure accessibility, and create a welcoming environment for students and customers. Vendor logistics, transportation, permits, and safety measures are all carefully managed to ensure the market runs seamlessly from start to finish.
- School Coordination – With hundreds of students participating, smooth coordination with schools is essential. We work closely with teachers and administrators to organize transportation, assist with booth setup, and provide guidance on market preparation. Schools receive key details about logistics, participation requirements, and best practices so students feel confident and ready to sell. From gathering necessary paperwork to answering last-minute questions, we support schools every step of the way to ensure a seamless experience for students and educators alike.
- Volunteer Engagement – Nearly 200 volunteers dedicate their time to making the market a success, creating a supportive and engaging environment for students. They assist with transactions, help set up booths, and welcome guests, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Many also serve as mentors, guiding students through their first real-world sales experience and helping them build confidence as young entrepreneurs. Their presence ensures students have the encouragement and guidance they need to navigate their sales and customer interactions.
- Media & Community Outreach – The Green Our Planet team collaborates with media partners and community networks to generate awareness and engagement around the market. We secure media coverage, share student success stories, and connect with local organizations to encourage community participation. Through press releases, interviews, and social media outreach, we help spread awareness and invite the public to experience the market firsthand, ensuring students receive the recognition and support they deserve.
By the time market day arrives, everything is in place, and the students are on their way, ready to step into their roles as Farmpreneurs.
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Market Day: The Big Moment
When the buses pull up, students get their first look at the market.
Rows of booths stretch across the venue, banners waving in the breeze. A crowd is already forming. Customers are hanging out, volunteers organizing, and mascots high-fiving kids as they step off the bus.
As they take it all in, there’s a moment of excitement mixed with nerves. The market is alive, and they’re about to be part of it. But first, there’s work to do.
Students work alongside teachers and volunteers to set up their booths, carefully arranging their products to attract customers. Everything is placed with purpose—pricing signs positioned just right, eye-catching displays arranged to highlight their goods, and a final check to make sure their table is inviting.
The first customers walk up, eyeing the fresh produce and handmade goods. A student takes a deep breath, remembering everything they’ve learned.
"Would you like to try some of our fresh basil? It’s $2 a bag!"
The customer smiles, handing them a bill. The student carefully counts the change and hands it back.
Just like that, they’ve made their first sale.
And once that first sale happens, everything clicks into place.
Students light up as they talk to customers, explain their products, and watch their hard work pay off. Some even start negotiating, offering discounts on bundles or sharing what makes their produce special.
Over the years, teachers have shared stories about students who had always been quiet, hesitant to speak up in class. But at the market, something changes. They become confident, chatting with customers, proudly explaining how they grew their vegetables. It’s a side of them their teachers had never seen before.
These are the moments that make the market so special.
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The Impact of the Market
The Giant Student Farmers Market is more than an event. It’s a moment of transformation.
For many students, this is their first real experience handling money, speaking with customers, and running a business. The nervousness they felt in the morning is replaced by confidence and pride as they step into their roles as young entrepreneurs.
This experience wouldn’t be possible without the support of the entire community. Sponsors provide funding and mentorship, volunteers guide students through the selling process, and customers show up to support, turning student efforts into real sales.
And behind it all, the Green Our Planet team ensures everything comes together, from the first seed planted to the last sale of the day.
The market goes beyond raising funds for school garden programs. It’s a launchpad for young entrepreneurs, a hands-on lesson in sustainability and business, and a reminder that when a community invests in its students, the impact lasts far beyond a single day.
Join Us at the Next Market
The Giant Student Farmers Market happens twice a year, bringing together students, teachers, and the community for a day filled with fresh food, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
The next market is just around the corner, and we’d love for you to experience it for yourself. Walk through the market, meet the students, and see how they’ve turned their learning into action. Every purchase supports young entrepreneurs and reinforces the value of sustainability, financial literacy, and hands-on education.
Visit our farmers market page for event details, and come see the impact in action.
See you at the market!
