Federation University has introduced a Nourishment Nook on its campuses, providing relief to students amid rising living costs, with almost 350 students using the services across the Berwick, Mt Helen, Gippsland, Melbourne CBD and Camp Street campuses each month.
The Nook offers free food, hygiene products, and access to professional second-hand clothing through the Styled for Success program, with over 3,400 visits recorded since August 2024.
The Mt Helen campus has seen the highest uptake, with Samantha Bartlett, chief learner experience officer at Federation, saying that “we believe every student deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances”.
“The Nourishment Nook is a practical demonstration of our commitment to student equity and well-being,” she said.
For Axel Thompson, a first-year nursing and midwifery student, they use the Nook weekly and say that the service is more than just helpful – it’s essential.
“I’m not rolling in cash, and the Nook has the basics for a few meals,” he said.
“Things like oil or dog biscuits are normally expensive, here they’re free; it also means I can grab a snack without needing to spend money at the canteen.”
Thompson added that the impact goes beyond just groceries, and that during the semester, he has had long Tuesdays with just an hour break, where “grabbing a snack and drink from the Nook gave me the energy to stay focused for the rest of the day”.
“It might seem small, but it really changes your quality of life, a bag of items from the Nook might cost $30 to $60 in a shop, that’s a tank of fuel or a night off from cooking,” he said.
Luke Jongebloed, student engagement assistant at Federation University, said that the service is free for students.
“It’s paid for by the university to receive the goods that come on the pallet in the delivery from Foodbank, and it’s been great to see students use this service.
“Students can connect, have some opportunities for quiet study, use the kitchen facilities, and it’s nice to see a community build up, and have this service be a part of that,” he said.
