United Nations Sustainable Development
Goal 2: Zero hunger
Students hunger interventions. Provide interventions to prevent or alleviate hunger among students.
UniSC has a comprehensive approach to addressing student food insecurity to prevent or alleviate hunger among students. This involves numerous UniSC areas: Student Wellbeing, Student Guild, Student Senate, and various external stakeholders and community organizations.
The UniSC Student Guild plays a pivotal role by offering free pantry services daily, ensuring students have access to essential groceries. Additionally, they promote options for low-cost groceries, food banks, and ready-made meals within the community, providing multiple avenues for students to obtain nutritious food. This collaborative effort highlights UniSC’s commitment to supporting student well-being and ensuring that no student goes hungry.
In addition to the food pantry, UniSC has partnered with local organizations to enhance its support network for students facing food insecurity. These partnerships enable the university to offer meal vouchers and emergency food relief packages. By collaborating with community groups and food banks, UniSC can extend its reach and provide more comprehensive assistance to students in need.
UniSC also runs educational workshops and campaigns to raise awareness about food insecurity and promote healthy eating habits. These workshops cover topics such as budgeting for groceries, meal planning, and cooking nutritious meals on a tight budget. By equipping students with these essential skills, the university not only addresses immediate food needs but also empowers students to make sustainable, long-term changes to their eating habits.
Furthermore, the university has implemented a “Student Food Subsidy” program, where students at retail outlets on campus (Brasserie and Cafe C) can purchase a main hot meal for A$5.50-$6.50 and other subsidised items. This initiative utilises the funds derived from Student Services Amenities Fee, which the Federal government legislation determines can be spent on providing food or drink to students on a campus of the higher education provider.
Summary
UniSC collaborates with local businesses and restaurants to provide meal vouchers and discounts for students facing financial hardship. These partnerships enable students to access affordable meals off-campus, expanding their options for nutritious food. By integrating these various interventions, UniSC creates a supportive environment that prioritizes the health and success of its students, ensuring that no one has to go hungry while pursuing their education.