Goal 2:
Zero Hunger
Student Food Insecurity and Hunger
The University of Newcastle is committed to supporting our students’ wellbeing, including addressing issues related to food insecurity and hunger.
We offer a range of support services aimed at reducing student food insecurity, including:
- Food Assistance Programs: The University has provided access to food banks and emergency food relief, particularly during periods of increased need such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
- UNSA Pantry: This University of Newcastle Students Association free breakfast program is for all UoN students every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. It helps to ensure that all students have access to a healthy, nutritious breakfast, which is essential for their academic success. Other similar programs include Free Food Friday, which provides essential groceries, and the Free BBQ which is run during term.
Each year, UNSA outperforms itself by numbers as more students rely on these services to ensure they have proper, warm meals. In 2024, UNSA provided:
- UNSA Grocery Hub: 210 individual students (Callaghan & Ourimbah) over a total of 743 visits.
- Free Food Friday: 3,023 students across a 42-week period.
- Free Lunches: 35,000 serves of free lunches provided across Callaghan, NUSpace, Ourimbah, Gosford, HMRI & Sydney.
- OzHarvest Collaboration (Free Food Friday): 21,000kg of food rescued.
These numbers have already been surpassed in 2025, and we expect a continuation as the cost-of-living crisis worsens. Organisations that ensure Zero Hunger are in higher and higher demand, and the University will continue to support students who require these services to the fullest.
- Student Hardship Fund: This fund offers financial assistance to students experiencing unexpected hardship, helping them cover essential living expenses including food.
- Crisis and Wellbeing Support: Through our Health and Wellbeing services, students can access crisis support and referrals to food assistance services.
- Financial Wellbeing Services: We provide guidance and support to help students manage their finances, including budgeting advice and access to emergency aid when needed.
These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to ensuring that no student goes hungry and that all students have access to the basic resources they need to thrive academically and personally.
Dr Penta Pristijono
"As food scientists, we will always be facing new challenges of providing high quality food that meets consumer demands."
Currently working at the University of Newcastle as a lecturer and researcher, Dr Penta Pristijono chose to work in food science because of its universal relevance.
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.