Poor uni students turn to food kitchen for help

SCORES of cash-strapped students at USC are relying on a daily food kitchen and grocery handouts to stay fed while they strive to reach their educational goals.

HUNGRY? Some students at the University of the Sunshine Coast are so poor they are being forced to apply for food hampers.

SCORES of cash-strapped students at the University of the Sunshine Coast are relying on a daily food kitchen and grocery handouts to stay fed while they strive to reach their educational goals.

About 50 students use the food kitchen daily and 40 students receive groceries from the food bank each week.

Students are using the support programs a week before the formal start of the new academic year.

The problem more greatly affects single parents, who are juggling their studies with family life and trying to earn an income, and international students, who struggle to find part-time jobs to help make ends meet.

The services are operated by the USC's Student Guild, which also hosts a free weekly barbecue to assist those who would otherwise have a deficient diet - including those who face cultural hurdles to admitting they are "poor".

The welfare services are described as a symptom of a society in which many people are struggling financially.

"Everyone is finding it very hard, a lot of people are trying to work and study fulltime," the Student Guild's welfare director, Megan Ogle, said.

"A lot of people can't go on the dole and can't get Centrelink handouts and are trying to better themselves, so it's tough to see."

It's an even bigger challenge for students who have "placements" - on the job training - as part of their studies, meaning they have little time in their week to fit in paid work. It's also an issue for those who have returned to gain a second qualification as they no longer qualify for Centrelink assistance.

Marjorie Blowers, of the Student Life and Learning team, suggested the situation had worsened over her eight-plus years involved with the university.'

"Rentals have gone up, electricity has gone up, fuel, general living expenses, food has gone up, people are trying to keep a roof over their heads and pay the bills and are seeking support," Ms Blowers said.

"It's our way of supporting students who are trying to survive on Austudy, Abstudy, Youth Allowance and New Start.

"It has changed over the years with the economic conditions, but I think the uni is doing an exceptional job to help these people who are struggling financially."

It is understood students are allowed to visit the food bank on three occasions. After that they are referred for financial checks and counselling.

"If they're coming three times, it's saying something," one observer said.

The food kitchen is open between 9am and 3.45pm for breakfast and lunch. It serves fresh fruit, an assortment of cereals, bread, milk, spreads like jam, and baked beans and spaghetti. It's believed the service costs the Guild around $400 a week.

"We're very busy every day we're open," Ms Ogle said. "It's very valuable to the students.

"People are doing it very hard. We also have a community kitchen ... that's always busy, every day."

The barbecue is a less confronting way for students to get assistance.

"It's about students keeping their self respect and pride as well," Ms Blowers said.

"It's really difficult to say, 'Hey, I'm struggling' and to ask for food, so it's a way to have a good meal without having to ask for a handout.

"Some cultures find it shameful to ask for food and say, 'I'm poor'."

Originally published as Poor uni students turn to food kitchen for help