An array of items is on offer to students at the Guild Food Pantry
Students struggling to afford groceries and other essential food items are encouraged to visit the new Edith Cowan University (ECU) Student Guild Food Pantry at ECU Joondalup.
The pilot program - supported by a $20,000 contribution from ECU through the ECU Hardship Fund and made possible through the generosity of ECU's wonderful donor community, facilitated by the Office of Development and Alumni Relations - has been established to provide dignified, equitable and accessible support to students experiencing food insecurity
ECU Student Guild Operations Manager Lisa Dwyer said the free service welcomes all students and while no referral is needed, they will be required to be a guild member and will need to register their name and student number.
Pantry supplies include items such as flour, butter, salt, breakfast cereals, porridge oats, beans, bread, as well as fruit and vegetables, toothpaste, toothbrushes, body wash.
ECU Guild President Sheharyar Sahi said the Food Pantry is about ensuring that no ECU student must choose between buying food and continuing their education.
"We know that rising living costs are placing significant pressure on students, and for some, accessing affordable, nutritious food has become a real challenge," he said.
"This initiative reflects the Guild's commitment to supporting student wellbeing beyond the classroom.
"We're proud to deliver practical support that helps students stay healthy, focused and able to succeed in their studies."
The Food Pantry is located in the basement level of the ECU Library (Building B.31.101), and will operate up to three days per week, with opening hours published on the Guild's social media channels and subject to volunteer availability.
A call for volunteers to support the service
The Guild Pantry is located in the basement level of the ECU Library.
To ensure the pantry is readily available to students, more student volunteers were needed to donate a few hours of their time.
Volunteers will play a vital role in creating a welcoming and supportive space for students accessing essential food supplies.
Shifts include a morning shift from 9am to noon; an afternoon shift from noon to 3pm; and an administrative shift.
The daily three-hour administrative shift allows the Guild to monitor the pantry usage, order food and keep track of the operations.
"One of the things we're saying to students who have come forward as volunteers is that they're part of the process and the learnings of the Guild in how we adapt the pantry for future use," Ms Dwyer said.
"And it's a great way to get know other students, to make friends."
