Education

Market Explorer Programming

The Market introduces young people from all over Philadelphia and the tri-state area to the merchants and foods at the Market through out-of-school-time (OST) programming, field trip experiences, and summer programming. We cover a variety of topics, including: hands-on cooking lessons, shopping and preparing food on a budget, establishing a positive relationship with food, strengthening connections to food sources, as well as Philadelphia/Market history!

Our curriculum is designed for ages 4-18 years old. We work with the School District of Philadelphia, Strawberry Mansion Learning Center, and the Boys & Girls Club and are looking to expand our education offerings to serve even more schools, youth programs, and community centers.

To request a field trip, please click here and fill out the form. We will contact you within 3-5 days from your submission. 

“Through all of its transformations, the [Reading Terminal] Market has remained Philly’s Great Exchange for food. The history as a trading place, culinary oasis, and economic driver is so important for our students to understand. And they need to have the empowerment to see downtown as just as much of their space as West Philadelphia. This is the type of trip that invites our guys to sit at tables they haven’t considered…”

-Ian Doreian

Assistant Principal, Boy’s Latin High School

“Thank you very much for your coordination and planning for our 5th graders at The City School. Both groups had the best time learning about pretzels and the science of making ice cream, along with the fundamentals of running a food business at Reading Terminal Market. We all really enjoyed ourselves and learned a lot. You all went above and beyond what we expected. Our students thought it was the best class trip ever!”

-Betty J. Handy

The City School

Penn State Extension Nutrition Links

This collaboration between the Market and the Penn State Extension Nutrition Links has the purpose to teach people how to eat better for less. Six classes will be offered completely free of charge in City Kitchen located inside the Reading Terminal Market to the right of the Head Nut and the Customer Hub.

Attendance to classes will be granted to parents or caregivers of a child 19 and under who qualify for Free or Reduced School Lunch, WIC, SNAP Benefits, Food Pantry Boxes/Bags, or Pennsylvania Farmers Market Vouchers. All classes are on Mondays from 10 AM to 12 PM. Those who participate to all six classes will receive a Reading Terminal Market gift card with a $25 value.

To register, please contact Debbie Winans (Nutrition Education Adviser) at 267-314-8713 or at dwinans@psu.edu.

The current class cycle dates are the following: February 3, February 10, February 17, February 24, March 2, March 9.