A FOOD co-operative managed by students has opened to the public.

Teesside University’s Food Co-op was set up in October to sell cheap, fresh produce on campus.

It received a £2,000 grant from UnLtd, which funds social enterprise, and stocks vegan, wheat and gluten free food.

Carol Wilson, the co-operative’s manager, said: “The society is a great attribute to the university, allowing students to become involved in something that will hopefully change the public’s perception on healthy food.

“People think that eating healthy is hard and expensive. We are here to show you it is not.

“With recipes on our social media, as well as top tips on eating well, we are here to show you that it is easy, cheap and worthwhile.”

Andy Price, head of enterprise at the university, said: “We aim to sell healthy, wholesome, ethical food for the cheapest price.

“We have a really good whole food supplier and we are also talking to some people who have allotments. It is fantastic to be able to support local food producers.

“We think that diet is really important. We would like to give people the opportunity to get quality ingredients to encourage them to eat healthily.

“I think the students who run it are just fantastic young people. They are doing something really positive.”

Co-operatives keep their prices down by taking people's orders in advance and bulk buying from suppliers.

Cheap and easy-to-make recipes promoted by the Teesside University students include fajitas, sweet and sour chicken and banana and berry bars.

It is £1 to become a member. The stall is open from 11am to 2.30pm on Mondays in the Student Union, on Borough Road, in Middlesbrough.