UNE STUDENT FOOD PANTRY
The UNE Student Food Pantry opened in Trimester 2, 2019. It has received an overwhelming amount of support from UNE students and the wider community.
We have received many positive comments, from students and staff alike, recognizing the serious problem of student food insecurity and noting how helpful the Food Pantry is.
Here’s a quick run-down of everything you need to know.
What is it?
The UNE Student Food Pantry is a source of free pantry and hygiene staples, available to UNE students. It has been funded by the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Popular items include pasta, rice, noodles, toothpaste, and toilet paper. There are also pads, tampons, tinned vegetables and fruit, and a range of other dry food goods.
Why was it opened?
The Universities Australia Student Finances Survey 2017 revealed that, of those who responded to the survey, one in seven university students regularly go without food. The statistics worsen for Indigenous students, those raising children while studying, and those from regional areas and with the lowest income brackets. Many students live on only $18,000 or less per year, which is well below the poverty line.
Who can use it? How often?
Current UNE Students can access the Food Pantry, upon showing current student ID. Each student with a valid ID can take up to 12 items, comprised of no more than 2 non-food items and a maximum of 2 of any one food type. For example, no more than two packets of pasta, etc.
You can visit the Food Pantry twice within a 28 day period from your first visit. For example, if your first visit is the 1st August, you can visit once more between then and the 29th August. After the 29th, the period restarts.
Our team, at Advocacy & Welfare will record your name, student number and the dates you access the Food Pantry.
The entire Food Pantry policy is located and updated here.
If you need a bit more assistance, we can provide you with the details of other local food pantries.
How can I donate?
Anyone can donate to the Student Food Pantry! The high level of interest from the UNE community has been truly heartwarming. Thank you!
If you are interested, bring the donations along to the Advocacy & Welfare office. We are located in the Northern part of UNE across from UNE Life Student HQ.
Please note: All items must be non-perishable, within use-by dates and unopened.
Suggestions for what to donate include:
- Canned fish, e.g. 425g cans of tuna
- Rice
- Pasta
- Noodles
- Cereal and oats
- Canned vegetables and legumes
- Snack items such as boxes of muesli bars
- Peanut butter or jam
- Toothpaste
- Laundry liquid
- Pads and tampons
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo/conditioner, and bar soap.
When can I access the Food Pantry?
We’re still in our founding days of this service – so whilst we learn the best balance and way to help you with the awesomeness that is the Food Pantry the best way to keep in the loop with up to date information is by following us on social media, you can find us on Instagram and Facebook.
At Advocacy and Welfare we know food is vital – If you’re struggling, please chat with us, we’re here to point you in the right direction and make sure your time at UNE is the best experience ever. You’re never alone.
A big thanks to SSAF who make this project possible and the team at UNE Life HQ who often run across and help us with the Food Pantry, always making sure our students needs come first!
