Back in October 2023, the SU Fruit & Vegetable Co-operative launched; a student-led initiative with the main aim to help students have access to nutritious food at a low-cost during their time at uni.
Students in the co-operative come together as a group of 20 every Tuesday (except during the Winter Break) to fairly distribute the produce received from local food redistribution charity FareShare South West, and in return receive low-cost, healthy food (£3 per box), save good food from going to waste, and make new friends!
Between 1st September 2024 – 31st May 2025 over 5,400kg of food has been distributed to students through the Co-operative, saving the students a total of £3,511.88 between 4th March – 13th May compared to cost price!
“As a full-time masters student and part time worker, it has significantly helped me both financially and helped me waste less food every work do I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in the scheme.”
“It’s a great scheme that has helped me financially, I have tried new things, and it has helped my confidence in mixing and working with new people.”
The Co-operative has gone strength to strength and now there are over 160 student involved!
What does being in the co-operative involve?
On a Tuesday at 12pm, the group come together to fairly sort out the produce delivered by FareShare and you get to go home with the produce you've sorted! You don't need to commit for every week- you can have a box as often as you'd like, you just need to volunteer to sort out the produce if you'd like a box! It takes maximum 20 minutes!
I would love to join the Co-operative, how do I sign up?
Complete the form here to register your interest: https://forms.office.com/e/tCetALanWz. The Student Voice Team will then email you with all of the information you need!