ANUSA has 6 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) We also facilitate the Lunch Express program, where excess meals from residential catering are distributed every Monday-Thursday. 

5) Through our grocery voucher program, students can receive a maximum of $50 worth of grocery vouchers per semester from our Student Assistance Team.

6) Lastly, our mutual aid pantry (located in the Brian Kenyon Student Space foyer) is open to all students 24/7. 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 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 snacks, a microwave and hot water. Plus it’s warm, which is a must for Canberra winter.

If you require assistance with accessing affordable and healthy food, please email sa.assistance@anu.edu.au

Lunch Express (Monday-Thursday at 1pm)

ANUSA distributes free meals at the Brian Kenyon Student Space every Monday-Thursday at 1pm. As a food rescue program, supply is limited and we cannot guarantee there will be supply everyday. Meals are limited to 1 per person each day to ensure food is evenly distributed.

Coop Lunch (available through an online voucher)

ANUSA is able to provide lunches to students who are facing difficulties acquiring lunch. Students are able to access up to five free meal vouchers per year. This program aims to provide short term assistance and hence 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/gibBUkXML65sezKg7 

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. 

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.