SCOOP is York’s student-run cooperative, selling sustainable goods from the heart of Campus West. The shop boasts an impressive range of products, all 100% plant-based, from grains and spices to toiletries like soap and washing-up liquid. SCOOP is perfect for a big shop, restock or quick visit between lectures. There’s something for everyone, all at a wholesale price that won’t break the bank.
Healthy, eco-conscious eating feels more expensive than ever at the moment, particularly when you’re on a student budget. But SCOOP offers the solution. The co–operative has always been a non-profit prioritising affordability; this means you can find high-quality goods up to five times cheaper than in the supermarket.
Since September, their relocation to Derwent College (D/M/028) has attracted scores of new customers. However, many students are still unaware of SCOOP: its products, values and how to use it. I visited the shop to learn more, speaking to volunteers and customers to understand what makes SCOOP such an important and unique part of our University.
The Origins and Mission of SCOOP
Fifteen years ago SCOOP started as two shelves of stock in a student’s house. Over the years they faced challenges, particularly in the Covid years, but their message has remained consistent throughout. Original members wrote:
“We might not be challenging Tesco and Morrisons’ profits but we are challenging reliance on these faceless giants and promoting an alternative vision of society and community.”
The values of collaboration and sustainability have remained at the core of SCOOP as it’s grown. Volunteers aren’t only dedicated to their work, they have also created a welcoming community of like-minded individuals. Socials like craft and games nights are frequently advertised on Instagram.
“It’s definitely massively built my confidence.”
I spoke to Co-Chair Jazz who told me about their own experience volunteering at the shop: “It’s really nice, you get to meet like-minded people coming in. It’s always fun to hear what they’re going to cook with the things they’re buying!”. SCOOP is always open to new members, they told me the weekly socials are “open to everyone, they don’t have to be a member.”
How to Visit SCOOP!
The shop is open every Wednesday and Friday, though it’s best to check the opening hours on their Instagram beforehand (@yorkscoop). SCOOP is based in D/M/028, between the Courtyard and Spring Lane, which is hard to miss if you look out for the colourful signs in the window.
To achieve their low-waste goals, products are sold in plastic-free packaging or out of glass jars. Customers are encouraged to recycle by bringing their own containers to use and donate, whether these are old bottles, jars or Tupperware boxes. The shop does have a supply of paper bags and donated boxes, so if you forget, don’t let this stop you visiting.
During my visit, volunteers Jazz and Alistair were super helpful, taking the time to show me the weigh-out system the shop uses. If your product is in a jar, simply tell the volunteers, and they will fetch it for you. They were both patient, allowing me to decide how much of the product I would like when they weighed it out. This system helps reduce food waste and overspending because you can tailor the quantity to your needs.
The co-op had an array of products to choose from. Jazz told me their bestseller was the dried mango, which is among the many snacks they have to offer including “Happi” oat milk chocolate, Medjoul dates and Hebden Tea. SCOOP also has a great variety of essentials such as grains, spices and eco-friendly toiletries, notably menstrual products. In supermarkets, these can be hard to find and expensive but SCOOP makes sustainable shopping easy and affordable.
The shop is the perfect place to pick up ingredients for your next recipe. I spoke to two first years, Beccy and Emily, who were visiting for the first time. They particularly liked the sustainable products available and that there were items they could bake with.
Memberships are available on the York SU website for only £5.00. These reduce prices by 10%, so it’s well worth investing if you plan on becoming a regular customer!
What are Veg Boxes?
Veg boxes, full of local organic produce, are priced from £8.90-18.50 and are available for members. There’s a range of options including farm, root, fruit and salad boxes, so you can be sure you end up with your favourites. Orders must be completed on the York SU webpage before 9 pm on Wednesday and Student ID is required for collection which is each Friday.
The Future of SCOOP!
I asked Jazz what was next for the co-op now that it’s settled into its new home. They mentioned SCOOP’s goal of improving visibility, with the society recently electing two new Community Fundraising and Outreach Officers to encourage students to visit.
In the future, they hope to expand collaborations with other societies, organise pop-ups on Campus East and perhaps work with colleges and departments. SCOOP is supplying Palestinian products for an upcoming Palestine fundraiser where all profits will be donated. There’s plenty to look forward to, especially with the stream of new products like kombucha arriving.
Jazz highlighted why the co-op is so special: “It’s quite unique, not every university has a SCOOP”. SCOOP is such a distinctive feature of our community, it’s inspiring to see students enacting their values on food and the planet, while actively building a community. Hopefully you’ll be visiting soon!
SCOOP’s accessibility and allergy policy can be found on their Instagram under the FAQ post, Linktree or at the shop entrance. There is also a section on what to expect when you visit the shop including a list of potential sensory issues for neurodiverse students and anyone who struggles with social interaction
D/N/028 is not wheelchair accessible so SCOOP has created a click and collect system where you can order in advance and collect at the door, this system is also in place for anyone who would prefer not to enter the shop. Alternatively, can also drop by on the day and leave a verbal or written request.
As the shop stocks unpackaged nuts, those with severe allergies should not enter the building and instead use the personal order system detailed on their instagram. Products containing nuts (and other major allergens) will be labelled in-store and on the online stocklist. There are multiple gluten free products which are labelled. Although cross contamination protocols are in place, unpackaged items can not be labelled “Free From” after they enter the shop due to handling.