Responding to the ongoing Cost of Living crisis, we’ve conducted two surveys to establish which areas students are struggling with the most. 

98% of students said the cost of food was negatively impacting them. 27 students specifically requested food packages, food banks, and food pantries as a form of support. 22 students asked for free food in general, including end-of-day bags for food that would’ve otherwise been wasted or sent to landfill. 

View Cost of Living survey results 

In response, we’ve created a Cost of Living Shop that’s home to our community fridge – a space providing free food for students that need it most. We’ve set up partnerships with various food providers including Aldi, Asda, KFC, Nandos, Makro, and the University to secure food donations. We’re also working with food redistribution charity FareShare. 

So far, our community fridge has saved Hallam students over £1,000 in food and saved over 150kg of food from going to landfill. Our great team of volunteers have contributed 210 hours of their time to make this possible. 

If you’re a Hallam student and want to access our community fridge, just pop into the HUBS during opening hours and chat to one of our friendly volunteers or staff members. Food availability varies each day depending on what donations we receive. Follow us on Instagram for updates on food deliveries and the most up-to-date opening times for our Cost of Living Shop. 

You can even get involved by volunteering in our Cost of Living Shop. Express your interest online or by emailing campaigns@shu.ac.uk.