Jesmond Food Market, which holds its final event of the year this Saturday on Armstrong Bridge, has been praised by traders and residents for leading the way on sustainable food practices, with local businesses emphasising low-waste operations, responsible sourcing and the importance of supporting independent producers.

Pink Lane Bakery, a long-standing stall holder at the market and business at the heart of Jesmond’s Acorn Road, told JesmondLocal that sustainability shapes every part of its work. “We’re very focused on making our product as accessible as possible to local people and all of our transporting is done by bike and electric vehicle,” said Claire Cooke, office manager, adding that waste reduction is built into their daily routine. “We reuse our own leftovers, and other items go to local charities and waste is recycled where possible.”

The market places a strong emphasis on showcasing local business too. “We think it’s incredibly important to invite local businesses to the market not just for sustainability but to showcase and support hardworking and exciting local businesses,” Cooke said.

Niall McKay-Mount, the owner of Screaming Chimp, who has been trading at the market for two years, recalled his family’s long connection to the area, saying that his grandmother “would’ve walked and driven along that road”. He described his current role at the market as “coming full circle” and said he is committed to environmentally conscious trading.

Tony Waterston, who helped establish Jesmond Food Market, said the push for environmentally responsible practices has been central since day one. “We campaigned in Jesmond for ending the use of free plastic bags, and when the government brought in legislation the numbers being used were cut at a stroke,” he said. Waterston believes similar action is needed on bottled drinks. “The same would be true for plastic water bottles, which litter the streets and do untold damage to wildlife.”

Waterston told JesmondLocal that stronger rules at the market would be widely welcomed. “Single-use plastics should be banned, with food sold in sustainable containers and sourced locally to benefit the community,” he said.

Local people agree that the market is setting a strong example. Jesmond resident Amelia Peel said: “I’m at the market at least once a month and it really makes a difference in the community. It’s always clean and you never see any rubbish, and you can tell the traders actually care about the environment.”

The last market of the year will take place on Saturday 20th December from 10am to 3pm, with organisers promising more than 40 traders and festive specials.