Help with Running a Student Food Co-op (Scoop), at Uni

Hi everyone.

I was wondering if anybody would be able to give me some guidance regarding running a Food Co-op at University (or a SCOOP as they are sometimes known). There we sell a range of products, including the ethical (FairTrade, organic, etc.), goods as well as specialist items (lactose/dairy free sauces, vegan pesto, etc.)

I am currently in my fourth year at Northumbria (after a Foundation and a resit), and have recently taken over the Food Co-op set up by three friends of mine last year (as two graduated and one is on a placement). However, with it all being very last minute, I have received no proper information on the process of running a project. Note that this is not a society but a project (as it's part of the environmental branch of the union, Eco NSU), meaning that grant applications don't apply to us and that anything we want has to come from the limited startup budget left from last year (as we make little to no profit and any that we do JUST covers the spoilage and damage of goods).

Anyway, I was wondering if any of you beatiful people out there have been involved with similar projects, as I need advice on funding and applying for grants from external sources (as somewhat explained above), and where would be the best place to ask. Also, I am looking into finding a cupboard/ part of a room to myself in the SU as, currently, all my stock is stored in the tiny, pokey cupboard with 90% of the other societies' stuff. This will, in future, impede growth and ruin the other plan I had for said room: a fridge to store chilled items (such as organic fruit and veg, which is another thing I plan to start doing).

If you have any ideas on who I'd go to, what to say or even alterations to my plan, feel free to comment. I will not bite your head off (as I've just had my tea :tongue:

da-dum-tish), and it may even work better for me. If there are any parts of this you'd wish me to elaborate on, also say - I do forget to include details (which may also mean I edit this or post them below as time goes by), and am trying to do about six things at once right now!

Thanks, your input is appreciated :smile: