Food Pantry
Food Pantry
The UCX Food Pantry was created to give UC students access to free food and supplies for those that don’t always have access to food or need help stretching their student budget that bit further.
We are located at the UC Hub (across from the UCX Student Lounge) and are open three days a week during the semester.
Current Opening Hours:
Tuesday 11AM – 2PM
Wednesday 3PM – 6PM
Thursday 11AM – 2PM
How it Works
Each item has been allocated a point value according to their cost and the number of uses that item may have. All shelves have a number displayed on the top determining how many points items on that shelf are worth.
Examples of points are muesli bar = 1 point, pasta = 2 points and jar pasta sauce = 3 points.
You’re entitled to one visit per week, and your points do not roll over to the next week if not used within that visit. So make sure you pop reminders to swing by in your UCX Student Diary!
Food Pantry Programs
Free Breakfast
Did you know every Tuesday morning the Food Pantry do a FREE breakfast?
Head on down to the UCX Student Lounge from 8am to 10am every Tuesday to fuel up before class!
Repair Cafe
Come to the pantry on Thursdays as we bring you the Repair Cafe.
Learn how to repair your favourite items of clothing so you can keep wearing them again and again, and save them from a fate in landfill!
Allan’s Farm Fresh Market
The UCX Food Pantry hosts Allan’s Farm Fresh Produce market stall every Thursday from 11:15am-1pm at the Refectory so all staff and students can get their hands on fresh, local fruit and vegetables.
FAQ’s
When is the UCX Food Pantry open? Am I able to get ingredients or items outside of these hours?
When is the UCX Food Pantry open? Am I able to get ingredients or items outside of these hours?
The UCX Food Pantry is open Tuesday and Thursday 11am – 1pm, and Wednesday 4pm – 6pm.
The pantry and UC Hub are not generally accessible outside of these hours.
If you are a student in need of immediate support, please contact the UC Wellbeing Team at ucwellbeing@canberra.edu.au.
What does the UCX Food Pantry offer outside of normal hours?
What does the UCX Food Pantry offer outside of normal hours?
Outside of the standard operating hours, the UCX Food Pantry runs part of the community garden located directly outside of the UCX Student Lounge, using these ingredients to give to students.
We have also developed a cookbook for students to use, we offer a free breakfast every Tuesday from 8am – 10am and offer the ability to book accessible shopping at the pantry. We often run cooking classes during semester and have corporate team bonding cooking classes available.
What is low sensory and accessible shopping?
What is low sensory and accessible shopping?
On each day the pantry is open, there are times available to book low sensory and accessible shopping outside of regular opening hours.
During these times, we limit the number of students to 5, the lights and sound are reduced, and staff are on hand to provide you with additional assistance if needed.
If you would like to attend these timeslots, please let us know via the form below.
Where is the UCX Food Pantry located and how can I find it?
Where is the UCX Food Pantry located and how can I find it?
The UCX Food Pantry is located at the UC Hub, at the end of 1 Kirinari Street.
We have signage out the front of the pantry during opening hours to help spot us easily.
Is the Pantry always stocked, and what is the best time to visit?
Is the Pantry always stocked, and what is the best time to visit?
The pantry is always stocked with a wide variety of items across point values. We may run out of specific items based on demand, but we always strive to ensure essentials are available.
There is no best time to visit, however we often have shorter waiting times in the afternoon rather than the beginning.
Does the Food Pantry offer fresh food such as eggs, bread and vegetables?
Does the Food Pantry offer fresh food such as eggs, bread and vegetables?
Based on deliveries from our partners such as OzHarvest and Secondbite, we often have fresh fruit, vegetables and bread available for students.
At times, we may also have fresh milk and eggs available. We make an effort to spread out the supply of items so students arriving at any time during opening hours can pick some up.
What items can I get at the pantry? Do the items change each week?
What items can I get at the pantry? Do the items change each week?
We have a large variety of ingredients available consistently, including pasta, rice, canned vegetables, sauce and snacks. Many of the items we supply may change based on the supply from Food Bank and our other suppliers.
Sometimes items are not available due to demand, but we strive to ensure essentials are available.
Can I get additional points if I need more support?
Can I get additional points if I need more support?
Yes, students who have a genuine need for food or financial support can receive additional points to use at the pantry. Our team can also provide students with more information on other food and financial support services on and off campus and help them connect with these services.
Please chat to one of our friendly staff or email Wellbeing (wellbeing@canberra.edu.au) to discuss accessing additional points, find out more about food and financial services available, and explore other supports for student wellbeing.
How is the UCX Food Pantry funded?
How is the UCX Food Pantry funded?
The UCX Food Pantry is mostly funded through the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). We often offer food that has been donated from community organisations, partners, or generous individuals.
Our current partners include Oz Harvest, Secondbite, Canberra City Care, Foodbank NSW/ACT, Kitchen King Grocers, and Multicultural Association of Canberra.
What services can staff refer me to for additional support with food/financial insecurity, health and wellbeing, academic or social connections?
What services can staff refer me to for additional support with food/financial insecurity, health and wellbeing, academic or social connections?
Please chat to one of our friendly staff or email Wellbeing (wellbeing@canberra.edu.au) to discuss accessing additional points, find out more about food and financial services available, and other supports for student wellbeing.
Do you collect feedback from students who access the pantry?
Do you collect feedback from students who access the pantry?
Absolutely! We’d love to hear about your experience so we can keep doing what you love, and know where to make improvements where we can.
If you would like to submit feedback or learn more about the pantry, please contact us via email foodpantry@canberra.edu.au
How to Contribute
The UCX Food Pantry can’t run without the support of our committed volunteers that contribute so much to the operation of this service.
Interested in contributing your time? Find out how:
- UC students: you can sign up to become an X-Crew Volunteer and sign up to UCX Food Pantry shifts. [link to Apply to Volunteer page]
- UC Staff members: you can book in a volunteer time via this form.
- Community members: please contact UCX Food Pantry directly to become a volunteer.
Make a Donation
If you’d like to make a food donation, please drop by UC Hub during opening hours, or contact the team at foodpantry@canberra.edu.au or on 0458 712 214 to organise drop offs anytime between 9-5pm weekdays.
Any items that are unopened, in-date and non-perishable are greatly appreciated.
Suggestions for what to donate include:
- Canned fish, e.g. 95g cans of tuna
- Rice (Basmati or Jasmine)
- Pasta
- Noodles
- Cereal and oats
- Canned vegetables and legumes
- Snack items such as boxes of muesli bars
- Peanut butter, jam or Vegemite.
