SNAP: Student Nutrition Access Program

This program increases students’ access to healthy, culturally appropriate and affordable food. Offering opportunities for students to gain skills in a community kitchen, learn about food budgeting and preparation through market tours and workshops. To tackle the growing problem of student food insecurity volunteers will prepare meals for a community food bank and provide low cost veggie boxes for students experiencing financial hardship and sickness. Exam relief dinner pop-ups, and fruit boxes in university libraries will support students to access healthy food while studying. This program will focus on international students and other students vulnerable to isolation and food insecurity.

This program will support members of 180,000 strong student community in the City of Melbourne many of whom are facing food insecurity due to rising costs of living. It will improve access to nutritious food and fresh produce which is linked to improved academic performance.

Students will acquire leadership skills, contribute to their community, make new friends and experience Melbourne’s thriving food culture. New connections between domestic and international students help to share cultural life and express identity. Social inclusion increases belonging, decreases mental health problems while increasing community connection. Students will learn cooking and sustainable food skills.