Food Pantry

The UCX Food Pantry was created to give UC students access to free food supplies for those that don’t always have access to food.

We are located at the UC Hub (across from the UCX Student Lounge) and are open three days a week during the semester.

UCX Food Pantry

Every week as a UC student you are eligible to use the UCX Food Pantry and will receive 15 points per week to spend how you would like. Most of the items are non-perishable in order to avoid waste. We also have Second Bite every day and OZ Harvest every Wednesday delivering fresh fruit, vegetables and more that you can grab on top of your Food Pantry Points.

Opening Hours

Currently closed. Re-opens Tuesday 28 January 2025

Tuesday 11am-2pm (including 1 Low Sensory Hour from 1pm – 2pm)
Wednesday 4pm-6pm
Thursday 11am-1pm

How does the point system work?

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 is worth. Examples of points are muesli bar = 1 point, pasta = 2 points and jar pasta sauce = 3 points. Points do not roll over to the next week if not used within your visit and you can only use your points in one visit per week.

Want to help out at the Food Pantry?

Click the button below to volunteer! All we ask is an hour of your time, tasks will include greeting students, stocking shelves, sorting stock, general cleaning and serving students. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Volunteer

Looking for another way to support UC Students?

The Student Empowerment Fund was introduced in 2020 for students who unexpectedly found themselves without a job and experiencing sudden financial hardship. Students and young people are heavily impacted by increasing costs of living; with many living out of home for the first time and relying on casual employment, it’s a demographic particularly vulnerable to the hidden poverty epidemic, including food and housing insecurity.

Support offered by the Student Empowerment Fund includes:

Accommodation: emergency, relief, and crisis accommodation for students sleeping rough, facing eviction, or leaving unsafe family environments
Groceries: Access to food and essential items via grocery vouchers and the UCX Food Pantry
Healthcare: medical related expenses including prescriptions and access to procedures
Living expense: electricity, internet, phone bills
Childcare
Fuel vouchers
Textbooks and uniforms
Student placement support
Device loan program
And more!

Give now

FAQ'S

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. We also have a Low Sensory Hour from 1pm – 2pm each Tuesday to allow access to students who may have sensory needs. It will be open January Tuesday 16th to December Thursday 19th 2024

The Pantry and UCX Student Lounge is not accessible outside of these hours. This is to ensure there is staff to assist students accessing the space, and to provide additional support if required. If you are a student in need of immediate support, please contact the UC Wellbeing Team at ucwellbeing@canberra.edu.au. Should you require access to the Student Lounge outside of these hours, please email uclife@canberra.edu.au.

What does the UCX Food Pantry offer outside of the normal hours?

Outside of the standard operating hours, the Food Pantry runs part of the community garden located directly outside of the Student Lounge, using these ingredients to give to students. We have also developed a cookbook for students use, we offer a free breakfast every Tuesday from 8am – 10am, and have our Low Sensory Hour from 1pm – 2pm every Tuesday. We often run cooking classes during classes, and have corporate team bonding cooking classes available.

Where is the UCX Food Pantry located and how can I find it?

The Food Pantry is located at the UC Hub, at the end of 1 Kirinari Street. Get directions here. We have signage out the front of the Food Pantry during opening hours to help spot us easily.

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 wait times in the afternoon rather than the beginning.

Does the Food Pantry offer fresh food such as eggs, bread and vegetables?

Based on our deliveries from suppliers such as OzHarvest and Secondbite, we often have fresh milk, eggs and bread available for students. We regularly have fruit and vegetables available for students, and make an effort to spread out the drops so students arriving at any time can pick some up.

What items can I get at the food pantry? Do the items change each week?

We have a large variety of ingredients available, including pasta, rice, canned vegetables, sauce and snacks, but we often have a changing roster of items that are based off supply from Food Bank and Woolworths. 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?

Yes, students who have a genuine need for food or financial support can receive additional points to use at the Pantry. Our team can 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 other supports for student wellbeing.

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.

Do you collect feedback from students who access the pantry?

Yes, we have QR codes across the Pantry to offer feedback in regards to the Pantry and it’s services. We collect this feedback to improve our resources, and to provide a more tailored experience for our students.