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Pantry with purpose: Federation students supported through cost-of-living pressures

12 June 2025 · 3 min read
Federation University’s Nourishment Nook is providing vital relief to students amid rising living costs, with almost 350 students using the service across the Mt Helen, Gippsland, Berwick, Melbourne CBD and Camp Street campuses each month. 

Federation University’s Nourishment Nook is providing vital relief to students amid rising living costs, with almost 350 students using the service across the Mt Helen, Gippsland, Berwick, Melbourne CBD and Camp Street campuses each month. 

Offering free food, hygiene products, and access to professional second-hand clothing through the Styled for Success program, the Nook has recorded more than 3,400 visits since August 2024. The Mt Helen campus has seen the highest uptake. 

“At Federation University, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances,” said Samantha Bartlett, Chief Learner Experience Officer at Federation University. “The Nourishment Nook is a practical demonstration of our commitment to student equity and wellbeing.” 

Axel Thompson, a first-year Nursing and Midwifery student, uses the Nook weekly and says 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,” Ryan 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.” 

He adds that the impact goes beyond groceries. “This semester, I’ve had long Tuesdays with just a one-hour break. Grabbing a snack and drink from the Nook gave me the energy to stay focused for the rest of the day,” he said. 

“It might seem small, but it really changes your quality of life. A bag of items from the Nook might cost $30–$60 in a shop, that’s a tank of fuel or a night off from cooking.” 

Importantly, Axel says the service is discreet and inclusive. “It’s neat, tidy, and welcoming and I was pleasantly surprised by the pet food and clothing options. It’s also good to know I’m not the only one using it.” 

"The service is free for students. It is paid for by the university to receive the goods that come on the pallet in the delivery from Foodbank," Luke Jongebloed, Student Engagement Assistant at Federation University, added. 

"It has been great to see students use this service. Students can connect, have some opportunities for quiet study, use kitchen facilities to make friends, and it is nice to see a community build and have this service be a part of that," Luke said. 

Federation University continues to lead nationally in social equity, ranked: 

#1 in Australia for First Generation enrolments (Good Universities Guide 2025) 
#1 in Victoria for Social Equity (eight consecutive years)
#1 in Australia for Access and Equity (AFR Best Universities Ranking) 

With cost-of-living pressures mounting, the Nourishment Nook ensures students have access to basic needs so they can stay focused on learning and life. 

Read more about the Federation University Nourishment Nook here.