For many students, starting a new semester comes with excitement and sometimes stress. Balancing study, work, and daily living can be tough, especially when it comes to groceries. But help is available.
As part of Spring Welcome Week 2025, the Western Pantry will debut at the Parramatta South campus to support students with free food and a whole lot of care.
The Pantry opens on Tuesday, 15th July 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at PS-EN.G.40, and will be continuing every Thursday. Students are invited in to pick up various free pantry staples.
The Pantry is a student-focused service that aims to reduce food insecurity and promote student wellbeing. The program is run by the Student Community Food Security Programs, under the guidance of the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Success).
“We know many students skip meals to save money or feel embarrassed to ask for help” says Miranda Zhang, Student Community Program Coordinator. “Our goal is to make food support normal, accessible, and respectful”.
Students can select up to five free grocery items. Various non-perishable food items include rice, pasta, canned goods, and snacks.
Set up like a mini supermarket, students walk in, pick up their items, and check out with help from volunteers who assist with a QR code check-in. Students are encouraged to bring their shopping bags, and the service is first-come, first-served, and may close early if items run out.
The event is free, but students are asked to register in advance to help organisers prepare. With 135 spots available, early registration is key. Register for the event on WESTERNLife here.
With the rising cost of living, students are feeling the pressure. Grocery prices, rent, transport, and tuition all add up. The Pantry offers not just a helping hand, but also a reminder: You’re not alone.
“This isn’t charity. It’s a community.” Zhang adds. “We want students to know we see them, we hear them, and we’re here for them”.
Many students are already benefiting from the pantry.
(Gurkaranpreet Singh at Western’s Open Day, 2025, Picture credit: Jasmine Kaur, 2025)
“I only recently found out about the Parramatta pantry, and it sounds like such a helpful and fun place”, says Gurkaran Preet Singh. “I think it’s great that the uni is doing something like this it makes you feel supported”.
Student Aneera Asif agreed. “That’s amazing!”, she said. “Sometimes small things like this have a big impact. It means I can focus more on my studies without worrying about food for the week”.
If you’d like to donate pantry items or volunteer your time, you can reach out directly at westernpantry@westernsydney.edu.au.
For more information about Western Sydney University’s food security programs, visit this page.
To find the details for future pantry openings head to WesternLife.
This Spring Welcome Week, stop by and grab some free goodies. It’s your campus, your pantry, and your chance to start the semester with support and a smile.
