New research reveals significant differences in how universities in England are providing food aid for students.
The study, by academics at Brunel University of London, shows that universities are responding to students who are struggling to afford food in significantly different ways, using multiple and sometimes overlapping forms of support. While some universities have moved away from food banks towards stigma‑free pantries and open-access food events, others are seeing these schemes come under pressure amid growing financial challenges across the higher education sector.
The 20‑month study, funded by the British Academy and the Leverhulme Trust, involved students and staff at 41 universities in England. The research, Feeding Hungry Students: Geographies of On‑Campus Free Food Provision Across England, found that 63% of these institutions operated a food bank.
However, many students reported feeling a sense of shame or embarrassment when using food banks, with some fearing that their use would be recorded on an official personal file. Students also expressed anxiety about being judged by peers or staff. In response, universities have begun developing more stigma‑free and inclusive spaces for students to access free food.
Dr Ellen McHugh, Senior Lecturer in Education in the Department of Education at Brunel, believes that young people have been largely overlooked during the wider cost of living crisis. Dr McHugh said: “It really became apparent from talking to students that there is a real need for continued food support from universities. Some students we spoke to described going without enough food due to financial pressures. This is a deeply concerning situation.”
Professor Emma Wainwright, a human geographer in the Department of Education at Brunel, said: “There is a very real cost of providing free food at universities, with funding varying from one institution to another. Staff at the universities we spoke to pointed to the cost of running these schemes and how they are not viable in the longer term.
“We noticed that many free food initiatives, such as ‘bring-a-plate along’ events, ‘free breakfasts’ and ‘free fruit’ are disappearing.”
The researchers caution that free food at universities often represents a “quick fix”, rather than a long-term solution, emphasising that higher education institutions alone cannot resolve a national poverty crisis. This raises wider questions about the extent of universities’ responsibility for providing food aid, as well as broader ambiguities around their duty of care. The research team is calling for an urgent government review of student finance, including increased maintenance support and a cap on campus food costs.
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