Food Pantry Assistance Available for Students Struggling Financially
In 2016, the UWA Student Guild recognised a growing need among students facing food insecurity and established the Guild Food Pantry. What started as a small cupboard of essential items has grown in the last decade to become a vital resource for students.
Food insecurity refers to the lack of reliable access to affordable and nutritious food due to financial constraints or limited food availability.1
In the past decade, the Guild Food Pantry has expanded rapidly and is more valuable than ever in today's unprecedented cost-of-living crisis as food insecurity amongst young adults becomes increasingly commonplace.
Since 2024, the Guild Food Pantry has recorded more than 5,000 visits, with over 20% of those visits occurring in the first half of 2026 alone. This trend demonstrates both the increasing awareness of the service and the ongoing need for practical support within the student community as food insecurity rises.
1. https://www.fao.org/hunger/en/
What is the Guild Food Pantry?
If you’re struggling financially, the Guild Food Pantry provides FREE non-perishable essential food items (like rice, pasta, UHT milk, cereal, soup, chickpeas and tuna), plus other everyday items to help you make ends meet.
It operates on a no-questions-asked, confidential basis - you’ll just need to show your student card, so we can track how many students the Guild Food Pantry is helping. This service is low barrier and confidential.
Hygiene Hub
The Hygiene Hub is available within the Guild Food Pantry and provides free essential personal care items for students. You'll find a range of everyday essentials, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, sanitary items, condoms, laundry washing pods and other hygiene products, with items available while stocks last.
Hygiene items count as one of your three weekly Food Pantry items. However, condoms are available separately, and you're welcome to take as many as you need.
Clothing
The Guild Food Pantry also stocks emergency essentials, including a free spare change of clothes and sanitary products for students who need them. These items are available directly from the Food Pantry.
If you need to access these items or would like any additional support, simply speak to one of our friendly team members at reception in the GSC.
How to Access Food Pantry
The Food Pantry is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM inside the Guild Student Centre (GSC) in the Guild Village.
We’re here to support you during challenging times!
How it works:
The Guild Food Pantry is available only to UWA students that are enrolled in a current unit. Simply bring your student ID and check in with reception when you visit.
To make sure as many students as possible can access the pantry, we ask that:
- Only one student enters at a time.
- You take a maximum of three items per week.
- You only take one of each item.
- You only take what you need, so there's enough for everyone.
From time to time, the Food Pantry may also have additional items available, such as fresh bread. These extras vary depending on availability, so keep an eye on our social media channels for updates when they're in stock. These guidelines help us keep the pantry stocked and available for all students who rely on it.
If you have any questions, concerns, or would like additional support, please speak to one of our team members in the GSC. We're here to help.
Donate to the Guild Food Pantry
The Guild Food Pantry has experienced consistent year-on-year growth in student usage. In the first six months of 2026, pantry visits increased by 40% compared with the same period in 2025.
The Guild Food Pantry is generously supported by regular donations from the UWA community. If you're able to help others, donations to the Guild Food Pantry are always welcome. Your contribution, whether in the form of non-perishable food items, essential products, or monetary donations, helps us provide support to those in need.
Accepted donations include, but are not limited to:
- Pasta, rice and noodles
- UHT Milk and milk alternatives
- Oats and cereal
- Jar sauces
- Tinned food
- Muesli bars and snacks
- Sanitary items (especially pads)
- Hygiene items (such as soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash, etc.)
- And other essentials!
Donations can be dropped off at Guild Cafés in the collection bins and the Guild Student Centre (GSC) in the Guild Village. Thank you for your support!
Contact [email protected] to learn more