Fresh Food Pantry Project

A plate of food with a mixture of vegetables, fruit and bread
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Every student deserves access to healthy, nutritious food. CQUniversity's Fresh Food Pantry Project supports international students experiencing cost-of-living pressures and food insecurity by providing free fresh fruit and vegetables through regular pantry pop-ups in Melbourne and Sydney.
Two women hold fresh fruit and veg at a table, a man puts bananas into a shopping bag next to the table.
International Student Wellbeing Project Officer Si Feng and Student Adviser Amanda Abeysinghe at The Fresh Food Pantry Project pop-up, and a Melbourne student stocks up on free produce from the project.

The project was launched in 2025 to improve student wellbeing, strengthen community connections, and help students thrive during their studies. 

Many international students face significant financial challenges while balancing study, work, and living expenses. The Fresh Food Pantry provides culturally appropriate fresh produce, helping students access nutritious food while creating opportunities to connect with peers and support services. 

Through partnerships with social enterprise The One Box, fresh produce is sourced from local farmers and markets and distributed directly to students who need it most. 

Why It Matters

Research shows food insecurity is increasing among university students, with international students among the most affected groups. The Fresh Food Pantry Project addresses this need by ensuring students have access to nutritious food while connecting them with wellbeing and support services. 

Demand for the Fresh Food Pantry is high - in Term 1 2026 the Pantry was accessed by over 750 international students in Sydney and Melbourne. 

When these students don't have to worry about where their next healthy meal is coming from, they can focus on learning, building friendships, and achieving their goals.

How You Can Help

The Funding Gap

When pantry launched in 2025, with limited external funding, the plan was to operate fortnightly for dry goods and monthly for a fresh fruit and vegetable offering. 

Despite high demand from students, the initiative has sadly been scaled back this year due to a lack of funds. Currently the pantry operates just once a month, offering dry goods only. 

The total cost to resume full operations (fortnightly dry goods and monthly fresh produce) is approximately $10,000 per the term. 

A gift of any size can help stock the pantry shelves and support students as they pursue their education far from home.

Donate today and help ensure every student has access to fresh food, connection, and the opportunity to thrive.

Your Impact

Your donation can help:

  • Provide fresh fruit and vegetables to students experiencing food insecurity.
  • Support student health, wellbeing, and academic success.
  • Foster a stronger sense of belonging and community.
  • Expand the pantry's reach to support more students and offer additional essential food items.
Three students take fresh fruit and vegetables from boxes on tables.
CQU Sydney students access The Fresh Food Pantry Project

Explore Other Student Support Initiatives

CQUniCares Student Success Scholarships

CQUniCares Student Success Scholarships help provide equal access to education for students who may otherwise miss out on the life-changing opportunity.

Be Ready Equity Packs

Many students begin the Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) Program without even the most basic study materials. To address this challenge, we have created the Be Ready Equity Packs initiative.

Inclusive Placement Assistance

Students with a disability face additional costs to participate in study placements. Donations will provide discretionary funding to assist these students to complete their placements.