On Tuesday 18th March, Dormanstown Primary Academy had the pleasure of welcoming Councillor Neil Bendelow, the Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland 24/5, to officially open their long-awaited farm shop and its new refill section. This exciting initiative is the result of hard work by the school’s Year 6 junior leaders, who have taken charge of planning, stocking, pricing, packaging, and promoting the shop’s products over the past two terms.
The farm shop, which features a range of locally sourced goods and Fareshare produce, is a culmination of a collaborative effort between the school and Ruth from Ecologico, with funding from Business in the Community. The project aims to teach pupils about business management, sustainability, and the importance of community involvement. In addition to selling fresh and ambient items, the shop now offers a refill station, where local families can purchase sustainable products like oats, broth mix, rice, washing-up liquid, and conditioner, to name a few. The introduction of refillable items is a step towards reducing single-use plastics and providing environmentally conscious options for families.
The opening ceremony, attended by Councillor Bendelow, celebrated the pupils’ achievement and their dedication to creating a shop that not only benefits the school but also promotes sustainability. Dormanstown Primary Academy’s farm shop and refill station are sure to become a valuable resource for the school community, offering fresh, affordable goods and helping to build a greener future for all.