GSA welcomes actions to address graduate student food insecurity
In 2024, GSA continued our advocacy of graduate students facing increased cost of living pressures, with a particular focus on food insecurity. We developed a submission to the Victorian Government’s inquiry into food security in Victoria and were invited to present at a public hearing at the Parliament of Victoria. GSA highlighted the drivers and impacts of food insecurity among graduate students at the University of Melbourne, as well as barriers they faced when accessing food relief. We also provided several recommendations for change.
GSA is pleased to note that several of the recommendations from the inquiry’s final report align with our calls to action. In particular, we welcome recommendations that the Victorian government should:
- Explore options to expand the provision of food vouchers to Victorians facing food insecurity.
- Continue to support social enterprises tackling food insecurity.
- Provide the food relief sector with funding to ensure it can meet current and future demand.
In addition to this submission, GSA developed a supplementary factsheet to provide additional data and recommendations for a University of Melbourne stakeholder audience. GSA called on the University to explore the development of subsidised student cafeterias and to expand upon and promote food relief programs on campus.
We are pleased to learn that the University has committed to opening canteens at the Parkville and Southbank campuses to provide students with affordable meals. These canteens are expected to open in early 2025, with the cost of meals being capped to ensure affordability.
GSA would like to thank all graduate students who participated in our 2024 Graduate Student Food Insecurity survey. Data from this survey formed the basis of both GSA’s submission and the supplementary factsheet. We are committed to continuing our advocacy of graduate students facing cost of living pressures in 2025.
To find out more about our work you can visit our website or email us at policy_advocacy@gsa.unimelb.edu.au