NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Students from Episcopal School of Nashville are giving away free vegetables and herbs every week at the East Nashville Farmers Market.
Every student at the K-6 independent school is involved in urban gardening. When the pandemic forced the school to close students were concerned about their garden.
"I was worried," said Lyric Derrick, a student who just completed fifth grade. "Those are my babies."
On his own, teacher Tyree Jordan took over tending to the plants. But after a few weeks this spring, he decided to contact the East Nashville Farmers Market so the garden wouldn't go to waste.
Every week, teachers, administrators and a handful of students have a tent at the market and give away produce like broccoli, cilantro, kale and mint.
"In the beginning, people were like do we want to take stuff from little kids?" said student Addy Andrade. "We figured out putting stuff in bundles is better."
This is the fifth week Andrade and her schoolmates have been at the farmers market. Whether they recognize it or not, the students are getting a lesson in business.
"They definitely feel more confident, even the ones who are here for the first time this week because they know the people who are around them and they feel safe just like they do at school," said Michelle Andrade, the school's communications director.
The East Nashville Farmers Market is every Tuesday from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 511 Woodland Street. The school plans keep a tent up into the fall.
