The Priority: 

Championing action to help all students gain access to resources, such as nutritious food, household products and course equipment. 

Context: 

Student poverty has become culturally normalised nationally. People accept it as fact that students must sacrifice their quality of life to gain an education. We do not accept that student poverty is the only option. This year we are championing action to help all students gain access to resources, such as nutritious food, household products, and course equipment. To mitigate financial burdens and empower students to thrive. 

What has the SU achieved this year? 

Free Soup Friday  

Key Outcomes:  

• The SU ran Free Soup Friday. Over 12 sessions spread across the academic year a total of 677 students were provided a complete nutritious meals meal. Students highlighted that Free Soup Friday provides students with reliable, healthy meals and vital financial support during difficult periods.​ Find out more here 

• The SU ran feed your flat. This food scheme provided over 170 students free food bags in the campus shop. In each bag there was enough ingredients to feed up to 8 students a complete nutritious meal following a custom recipe card. The recipe cards were designed to be inclusive, highly nutritional, replicable and show students how affordable making quality meals can be. Recipes included one-pot tomato pasta, chickpea curry, bean burrito wraps, vegetable fried rice, lentil Bolognese, and loaded baked potatoes.  Students highlighted that the bags have made them feel special, helped them save time, budget, and get together with their friends. That they'd love to see more of this in the future. 

• The SU ran three hook-a-duck food pop-ups. During these pop-ups we chatted to students about their food struggles, collected feedback and raised awareness of are SU free food initiatives. When the students successfully hooked a duck, they won a free food prize. We gave out 55 pot noodles & 105 sweet treats connecting to over 160 students. 

•  The SU ran a free food pantry. The pantry is run at Penryn, Truro and Falmouth campus, we stock everything from almond milk to red lentils. The panty acts as a lifeline and safety net for many of our students. This year we gave out over 15,000 food items. 

• The SU provided £5 breakfast vouchers to students. Fuelling 150 students over the busy exam periods. 

• In collaboration with Cornwall MedSoc the SU ran Truro Breakfast Club. Supporting 150 medical students with the most important meal of the day. 

• During welcome week the SU ran board games & pizza with over 100 students attending. 

• The SU also continues to give out dozens of free protection items. 

• During LGBTQ+ History Month all our events where catered with either free food and or drinks. Find out more here

• From free hygiene stations to policy changes the SUs work to help alleviate the cost of living doesn’t end here, find out more on our other blogs 

• The SU has also secured funds to go towards funding food projects next year. Penryn Pantry (£10K), Truro Pantry (£1k) Soup Kitchen (£5k), Truro Breakfast Club (£3.6k) and Breakfast Club Penryn (£750). 

By the Numbers:   

• The SU collected feedback from students around key themes around food during its getting started survey (GGS). It presented these results during the Student Experience Partnership Group. 

• 75% of students said they eat on campus less than once a week (GSS, 2025-26).​ 

• 16% never eat on campus (this is included in the 75%) (GSS, 2025-26).​ 

• 17% of students said campus food isn’t affordable at all (GSS, 2025-26). 

• Through food bags we provided enough food to make over 1400 individual meals. 

• Altogether we provided over 18,000 food products and meals.   

Why this matters:  

Having a poor diet has been directly linked to poorer academic achievement and wellbeing. With inflation only getting worse to mitigate student food poverty, we need direct action now. 

What’s next? 

The current President team will be passing the baton over to your newly elected 2026-27 President team to continue this crucial work.  

Want to get involved? Here's how:   

1. Stay Updated: Instagram   

1. Make a change: Submit a proposal on Make A Change   

1. Take Action: Vote on proposals through Make A Change or make your own proposal! Talk to your reps, whether that be reps from your course or your SU Presidents - Find My Rep , Presidents. Come to Student Forum, where we discuss ongoing priority work and vote in proposals to either be actively worked on with allocated budget or worked on amongst other issues! If you want to see something changed, why not come have your say?    

Questions or ideas? Get in touch via email at presidents@thesu.org.uk or drop us a message on Instagram - we'd love to hear from you!