Case studies

Sunshine Co-operative CIC
Launched in September 2018, Sunshine Co-operative CIC makes it easier for people in Sunderland and the surrounding areas to access fresh, healthy, local and ethically produced food - encouraging consumers to put their money back into the local economy.
As a Community Interest Company, all profits are re-invested back in to the co-operative to allow it to grow and support other food growing and producing organisations, as well as health and well-being and educational projects.
Some of this work includes:
Working with students from Sunderland College, giving them real-life briefs to help expand their skills and knowledge.
Working co-operatively with other Sunderland based organisations to create awareness of the benefits of strengthening our local food economy.
Supporting Community Gardens and other local growing projects to become sustainable as well as promoting the health benefits of eating and growing fruit and vegetables.
The Co-operative operates as an online delivery service with orders placed weekly by midnight Sunday and delivered Thursdays (or other appropriate times). Trusted local organisations premises are also used as drop-off points.
Providing a diverse offering of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as sustainable products such as dairy, cheese, honey, preserves, fresh bread, vegan, gluten-free and world food, the co-operative sources as much of its produce as possible from local providers within Tyne & Wear, Durham, Northumberland, Teesside and North Yorkshire.
Sunshine Co-operative CIC was created to bring about positive change in the area in which we live - Sunderland. Both environmentally and economically, and through health and well-being, they do so by creating links, creating a closer shared community, sharing knowledge and skills.
Future developments
Plans are afoot to convert part of the premises in The Eagle Building on High Street East into a shop.
Working with schools and other community groups on projects that promote healthy eating, cooking from scratch, growing fruit and veg and providing necessary skills for employment.
Creating opportunities for students from Sunderland University to gain necessary work experience in all areas of running a business as well as in food production.
For more information please contact:
Claire Wayman
Co-director
Sunshine Co-operative CIC
Unit 1, The Eagle Building,
201 High Street East,
Sunderland,
SR1 2AX
Tel: 0191 447 1990
For information on other case studies in Sunderland, see below: