UNSW's new Food Security Strategy supports student access to affordable food and builds lifelong skills
Published on 24 February 2026
UNSW has created a Food Security Strategy to address the challenges students face in accessing affordable, nutritious food. The strategy sets out a plan for new support programs, including food lockers, cooking classes and an expanded free meals program and Food Hub offering.
The strategy was developed by the Belonging and Onboarding workstream of the Student Experience Program, co-designed with Arc, and shaped by student feedback.
These initiatives build on UNSW's existing rapid relief approach and shift toward sustainable, systemic change. The strategy addresses both the causes and impacts of food insecurity and aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 2: ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
The framework is built around three key pillars – rapid relief, sustainable skill building and systemic support.
Food insecurity can affect wellbeing across multiple parts of a student’s life, impacting not only their health but also their capacity to learn and thrive.
“Students’ access to affordable, nutritious food on campus can positively impact their mental and physical health and overall wellbeing. We know that student wellbeing is as important as their academic success,” said Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Success Leah Hill.
“Our strategies are designed to minimise the stress, anxiety and cognitive challenges associated with skipping meals.”
Under the sustainable skill building pillar, UNSW is launching free, chef-led cooking classes on campus, where students learn to prepare nutritious, budget-friendly meals in a community setting. Students will receive take-home ingredient kits to recreate dishes, building essential life skills & reducing reliance on expensive takeaway options. Classes kick off in Week 4, and students will be promoted to register for classes in Week 2.
As part of the rapid relief pillar, Food Hub has also expanded to include health and hygiene products, offering everyday essentials to support student wellbeing. Food Hub is a free food pantry and student support & sustainability program that provides UNSW students with nutritious ingredients and essential items to help ease the cost of living. Along with pantry staples, students can pick up snacks and a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Food Hub is open on the Kensington campus three days a week and once a week at Paddington.
Hear from Vice-Chancellor and President Attila Brungs about the launch of the strategy and learn more about the strategy.