University of Bradford sees huge demand for its food pantry

It's to ensure it can help those who are most in need of help. 

The University of Bradford opened a pantry for all students who were struggling amid the cost of living crisis in November last year, but in the face of soaring demand, it will now only be available to students who are unable to purchase their own food.

Colleagues and staff from Morrisons at the Food Pantry. Image: University of Bradford (Image: University of Bradford)

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The university said the cost of living crisis is having a significant impact on international students who were unaware of the current economic situation in the UK before they arrived.

Professor Amir Sharif, Dean of Faculty of Management, Law and Social Sciences:“The vast majority of the students visiting the food pantry are international students and many report that they did not expect the cost of living in the UK to be as high as it is.

“Many are also struggling with the exchange rate which means that the funds they had budgeted, are not stretching as far as they expected.

"Students are also reporting finding it difficult to find part-time work which is further impacting their financial situation.”

So far 1,242 food parcels have been given to students by the university, consisting of key items such as pasta, rice, bread, potatoes, cereal, milk, and important hygiene products like toilet roll and sanitary towels.

There has been a rise in demand for the service, prompting the university to limit its availability.

The Food Pantry helping thousands of students at the University of Bradford. Image: University of Bradford (Image: University of Bradford)

Prior to this, all students were able to come along and take what they needed but now only struggling students will have access.

A spokesperson said: “Up until this week, students have been able to visit weekly but due to the number of students coming, we are now having to limit this to those students who do not have sufficient funds to purchase their own food.

“Previously, any student could come and request food regardless of their financial situation, but we are now having to target the support at those most in need.”

Sarah Jones, student life manager at the university: “Sadly, many of our students are struggling with the current increase in the cost of living and our food pantry sees a steady stream of students each day who are requesting help with food and other essentials.

“We are doing what we can to support these students by giving out free food and toiletries, and we are also working with them to maximise their income and cut down on their expenses.

“This is on top of the existing support we offer to our students which includes bursaries, scholarships and our emergency hardship fund.

"We are very grateful to Morrisons for supporting us with the food pantry, as are our students."

Morrisons donates food to university 'Pantry'. Image: University of Bradford (Image: University of Bradford)

Bradford-based Morrisons recently donated food to the pantry.

Pam Abbott Morrisons Community Champion said:"It's an absolute pleasure for our site to support the students at Bradford University with food items.

“Having seen the pantry myself and directly speaking to the students at this particularly difficult time, our donation will make a massive difference, something we are so proud of as a business and the work we do in the community."

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