Food relief programs
The University is now offering food relief to students experiencing food insecurity. The four programs are:
- Program 1 – SecondBite Frozen Meals (Parkville Campus)
- Program 2 – SecondBite Frozen Meals (Southbank Campus) Fine Arts Music (FAM) students only
- Program 3 – SecondBite Frozen Meals (Eastern Hill Precinct, St Vincent's Hospital) Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS) students only
- Program 4 – Fresh Food Project (Parkville Campus)
About our programs
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SecondBite Frozen Meals
SecondBite is a local not-for-profit organisation, that provide healthy frozen meals to students. Meals are prepared based on the ingredients available to them, including vegan and gluten-free options.
Meals can be collected weekly at Parkville, Southbank (FAM students only) or St Vincent’s Hospital (MDHS students only). You will be allocated to collect meals based on your preferences. Remember to bring your student ID and a bag. -
Fresh Food Project
The Fresh Food Project provides students up to 5kg of high-quality fresh fruit and vegetables from The One Box. The produce is locally sourced from Australian growers and is enough to last one to two weeks.
Allocation is rotational, where students can expect two to three collections per semester. Once allocated, please come on your designated date for pick-up. Remember to bring your student ID and a bag.
How does it work?
Step 1: Complete the registration application and select which programs you are in need of.
Step 2: You will receive a confirmation email to your student email account.
Step 3: Once you have been allocated for collection you will receive your allocation email with all the information you need to know about your pickup such as when it is, where it is and what to bring (eg student ID, a bag etc).
Step 4: Arrive at the pick-up location on your allocated day as stated in your confirmation email. Please bring your student ID with you.
Step 5: Follow the instructions from the volunteers at the pick-up location. They will check your student ID card and you will be required to check in via a QR code presented on arrival.
Step 6: You will then be able to collect your frozen meals or fresh food.
Frequently asked questions
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Do I need to be a current student to register my interest for food relief?
Yes, only current University of Melbourne Students are eligible to receive meals or packs.
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If I need weekly support, do I need to register my interest each week or do I only register my interest once?
You only need to register once. The registration system is done on a subscription basis and depending on availability and capacity limits you will be allocated and receive allocations via email.
If you need to opt out of the program or your circumstances change, please contact the food relief team on food-relief@unimelb.edu.au
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How will I know when and where to pick up my food?
You will receive a confirmation email that will explain the time, day and location to collect your food. It will also highlight what items you need to bring along with you (e.g. Student ID Card, a bag etc.)
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I have dietary requirements. Can these be catered for?
Unfortunately, due to the meals and packs being prepared based on ingredients available, we are unable to arrange orders to meet dietary requirements. We do, however, try and have a range of options available for most.
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Is there a maximum number of supplies I can take?
Yes, our volunteers will advise of the maximum number available per person when you arrive for your Frozen Meals or Fresh Food collection.
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How do I know what supplies I will be getting?
You won’t know this until you arrive at the pick-up location. Meals and boxes change weekly and are dependent on what ingredients or produce is available at the time. There are no set options that can be ordered.
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How long will the relief service run?
The University of Melbourne’s food relief service is scheduled to run until December 2024.
Other programs – Parkville campus
Union Mart, UMSU Welfare
Union Mart is a new program based on a ‘take what you need’ philosophy. Our purpose is to make food and other household items available to those who need them most. Bookings are essential.
Welfare Brekkie, UMSU International
UMSU International is providing free breakfast to all students every Monday, Wednesday and Friday throughout semester. All students (domestic and international) are welcome!
Welfare Brunch, UMSU Welfare
Join us for a free brunch every Tuesday and Thursday! Find us in Building 168 (Swanston Street entrance).
Breakfast Club, Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Are you a graduate student? Start the day right with a free and healthy breakfast on campus! Find us at the 1888 Building on Tuesday and Thursday mornings (until SWOTVAC). Registrations are essential.
Journeys Café by the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC)
Located in the Student Pavilion (Level 4), Journeys Café offers fresh, healthy food at affordable prices. Most meals are vegetarian (except for some of the toasties) and there's gluten-free and vegan options.
Science Gallery Uncommon Room
A safe, accessible place on campus you can relax, connect with like-minded people, charge your devices and enjoy some cheap eats. During semester, the Uncommon room has free fruit, $1 coffee and $2 toasties!
Other programs – Southbank campus
Southbank Breakfasts, UMSU Southbank
Early riser? Drop in for a bite to eat every Thursday morning during semester! Enjoy a variety of fruit, muffins, pastries and wraps. You'll find us in the Hub Building Student Lounge.
More about Southbank Breakfasts
Southbank BBQ, UMSU Southbank
Join us in the BBQ area at Southbank on Tuesdays for a vegan BBQ! Our protein has rave reviews, even among meat eaters.
Bread Bin, UMSU Southbank
In need of staples? Visit our small pantry located in the Student Lounge (adjacent to the Library). We provide non-perishable food items and hygiene products for all students according to need. See our UMSU Southbank Guide to Student Life (Guide to Free Food) to find out more.
UMSU Southbank Guide to Student Life
Journeys Café by the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC)
Journeys Café is now in Southbank! Located in Building 877, Journeys Café offers fresh, healthy food at affordable prices. Most meals are vegetarian and there's gluten-free and vegan options.
Contact us
Food Relief Team
Food-relief@unimelb.edu.au