United Nations Sustainable Development
Goal 2: Zero hunger
Student food insecurity and hunger. Have a programme in place on student food insecurity.
The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) has recognised the growing issue of student food insecurity, and the UniSC Student Guild has implemented several programs to address this critical need. One of the cornerstone initiatives is the establishment of an on-campus food bank. This bank acts like a food pantry, providing free, nutritious food to students who are struggling to afford meals. Stocked with a variety of non-perishable items, fresh produce, and personal care products, the pantry aims to ensure that no student has to choose between their education and their next meal.
In 2024, the Emergency Food Bank:
- Operated across all five campuses, with walk-in access available five days a week at Sippy Downs and Petrie campuses.
- Provided food packages valued at approximately $50, containing 15–20 shelf-stable items.
- Supported by community partners including OzHarvest, SecondBite, Banjo’s Sippy Downs, and Urban Angels.
- Over 100kg of fresh produce and bread distributed weekly; ready-made meals included.
In addition to the food pantry, UniSC has partnered with local organisations 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. In particular, 2024 activities included:
Free student dinners
- Organised 2–3 times per semester, with each dinner serving 150–200 students.
- Meals were made using food from SecondBite and OzHarvest.
- Partnerships with local KFC and RedBull representatives.
- Biopack compostable packaging is used.
- Cans are recycled.
- Ensured students had access to fresh, nutritious, full-sized meals while reducing food waste.
Brunch dates
- Weekly at Sippy Downs campus and fortnightly at Petrie campus, these sessions offered free breakfast items including pastries and baked goods.
- Reached 50–100 students per week, supported by donations from Banjo’s Sippy Downs.
- Helped reduce financial pressure on students and minimised food waste through redistribution.
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 can purchase a main hot meal at retail outlets on campus (Brasserie and Cafe C) for A$5.50-$6.50, as well as other subsidised items. This initiative utilises the funds derived from the Student Services Amenities Fee, which the Federal government legislation determines can be spent on providing food or drink to students on a campus of a higher education provider.
Summary
Through these combined efforts, UniSC is making significant strides in combating student food insecurity and ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed academically and personally.