In September 2006, the stall at The Hornbeam began as a partnership with a cooperative of farmers which over time transitioned to a partnership with the farmers directly. The Leytonstone stall was established in 2011 together with Transition Leytonstone. 2019 saw the addition of the Sunday Hornbeam stall and in the midst of COVID, another location emerged in partnership with Silas Yard in Tower Hamlets.
Alas, all good things come to an end and the OrganicLea market stalls will be ending this Sunday, 26 September after 15 years in operation. With all of the stall locations, there is some element that will continue, albeit in a new way and coordinated by our partner organisations. Transition Leytonstone will be continuing the Saturday stall at Stone Mini Mart (721 High Road), The Hornbeam Centre will be continuing their amazing food distribution work with a surplus food stall during the week (Food Rescue – The Hornbeam). And in Tower Hamlets, Silas Yard will be launching a deli concept that will include fresh produce.
OrganicLea is soon to turn 21 and has experienced a great deal of growth in recent years. In looking towards the future, many exciting plans opportunities await as we focus on our box scheme and other distribution channels and partnerships.
We’ve learned that our box scheme model is the best way to support farmers and workers throughout the supply network, providing sustainable livelihoods while minimising waste. The stalls were such an integral part of the OrganicLea journey and they will forever be remembered as places of conversation and somewhere to celebrate the joy of the season’s abundance!
