Sustain Me program serves up affordable meals for University of Newcastle students
University of Newcastle students now have greater access to affordable, convenient and nutritious meals at significantly reduced prices through a new initiative expected to collectively save them up to $200,000 per semester.
The Sustain Me program will offer students discounted meals including $5 for a bánh mì and a drink, $4 burgers and two-for-one sushi rolls, designed to help students manage rising cost-of-living pressures.
The program was successfully piloted at selected Callaghan food outlets during Semester One and is now being expanded across the University's campuses and retailers, including Callaghan, and NUspace and Gosford.
University of Newcastle Pro Vice-Chancellor, Student Experience, Professor Jennifer McDonell, said the initiative is one of the ways the University is helping to make life on campus more affordable for students.
“We know that our students are feeling the cost-of-living pressure, and this is one of the ways we can support students to access nutritious and affordable meals while they’re on campus,” Professor McDonell said.
“We’re estimating that we’ll provide up to 30,000 meals to students this semester, saving them around $200,000. That’s a significant saving for students who are often juggling study with work and other personal commitments, all on a budget.”
Developed in response to student feedback, Sustain Me is partially funded by the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), which also delivers a range of student services and initiatives, such as subsidised gym memberships, health and wellbeing initiatives and employment advice.
For Alanis Dias, who is studying a Master of Business Administration, the initiative helps to not only give her affordable food options but also creates a better on campus experience.
“As an international student, being away from home, it’s important to feel supported. Initiatives that make food more accessible and affordable help students feel welcome and part of the university community,” she said.
“There are plenty of days when I don’t have time to pack lunch, especially during exams and assignment periods, so having affordable food available on campus makes a real difference.
“It’s not just about budget-friendly meals. These initiatives bring students together, they might spark a conversation about the deals we got, and they help make the university experience feel more like home.”
Read more about Sustain Me here.
Related news
- BHP sustainable steelmaking program wins national AFR Higher Education Award
- Sustain Me program serves up affordable meals for University of Newcastle students
- CSIRO backs next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM talent with $1.5 million scholarship program
- Researchers uncover a silver lining to Australia’s solar panel landfill problem
- Overcoming silence: a renewed effort to listen to the voices of religious sisters
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.