ANUSA has 4 different food programs that are free for students.
1) Our student space runs a free breakfast everyday of semesters for all students.
2) Our student bites program provides groceries and non perishable packs to students weekly.
3) We offer free lunches through vouchers to the food coop.
4) Through our grocery voucher program, students can receive a maximum of $50 worth of grocery vouchers per semester from our Student Assistance Team.
5) Lastly, our mutual aid pantry is open to all students from 8am - 8pm every weekday. This pantry program has seen unprecedented use this year as new international and domestic arrivals come to Canberra for the first time. The pantry provides distribution of perishable and non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, contraception, and general household supplies
Everyone needs to eat, but unfortunately, healthy food can sometimes be a bit hard to come by during your time at university.
There are many possible reasons for this. For example, you could be strapped for cash (or lost your wallet), too busy with exams to even think about cooking or stuck on campus late studying.
Despite what many uni students may tell you, surviving off two-minute noodles is not a rite of passage, nor is it healthy.
A large number of university students find it difficult to source food.
That’s why we have the ANUSA Student Meals program. The program aims to provide students with healthy and nutritious meals when times are tough and you are unable to obtain meals.
Free Breakfast
The Brian Kenyon Student Space offers a free breakfast throughout teaching periods.
To grab some free breakfast just rock up to the BKSS Balcony Monday to Friday from 8:30am – 10.30am, during teaching periods. The BKSS is located on Level 2 of the Di Riddell Student Centre in Kambri.
The BKSS also offers free tea and instant coffee throughout the day, as well as access to cheap snacks, $1 Nespresso coffee, a microwave and hot water. Plus it’s warm, which is a must for Canberra winter.
If you require assistance with accessing afforable and healthy food, please email sa.assistance@anu.edu.au
Lunch (available through an online voucher)
ANUSA is able to provide lunches to students who are facing difficulties acquiring lunch. This program aims to provide short term assistance and hence, there is now a maximum limit of 5 meal vouchers accessible per year. If you require ongoing assistance with meals, we would encourage you to speak to a Student Assistance Advisor instead.
To access a free (vegan-friendly) lunch from the Food Coop (3 Kingsley Street), please fill in this form: https://forms.gle/9ERZiutDzJQeCSAC7
Please note that the lunch voucher is only redeemable between the Food Co-op's lunch hours of 12pm-2pm. The Food Co-op may not be able to provide food after this time.
Universal Lunch Hour (during teaching periods)
Each Thursday, throughout teaching periods, different Clubs and Societies run Universal Lunch Hour.
It’s on 12.30 – 1.30pm. Keep an eye on the BKSS Facebook page for where it is held. The food varies each week but it usually takes the form of a BBQ with omnivore and vego options.
To access just follow your nose to the BBQ and jump in line.
Dinner (currently suspended)
ANUSA also offers dinners for students experiencing difficulty getting their hands on healthy meals.
As with our lunch program, the free dinners are meant to be short-term assistance to students in need. If you are finding it difficult to afford dinner on a long-term basis, we would encourage you to speak to a Student Assistance Advisor for assistance.
To access them, just email sa.admin@anu.edu.au. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are also available.
The Take Away:
There’s no reason to survive on instant noodles and plain rice when you're in a pickle!
If you are unable to afford meals on a long term basis and would like some assistance, you can contact a Student Assistance Advisor via email on sa.assistance@anu.edu.au or phone on 6125 2444. ANUSA is here to help you, so please take advantage of it.