How the Food Pantry works:
The SU Pantry is here to support students who really need it!
Opening times starting from 2nd October 2025
- Monday's: 11:45 - 13:45
- Thursday's: 13:30 - 15:30
Location: 1 East, 3.11 (Level 3 of Norwood House)
Students can drop in anytime between this time and take up to 6 items from the pantry.
Items stocked include:
- food cupboard essentials
- cleaning products
- toiletries
- condoms
- pregnancy tests
- sanitary products
We ask for your library card username to ensure you are a student. You can decline showing your library card if you do not feel comfortable.
The Story of the Pantry:
The SU Food Pantry was created to support students struggling to afford their weekly food shop. With the rising cost of living, many students skip meals or work excessive hours in part-time jobs, which negatively impacts their education. No one should have to choose between food and their education.
The idea for the pantry began with a pilot in May 2024, collectively led by the 2023-2024 SU Officer team at the time. Using the SU Officer budget, Officers planned, shopped for supplies and transported items to campus. Students, prior to formal feedback, have already reported how useful this was and how it helped them through what is a very stressful time of year for them.
Building on the success of the pilot, SU Officers Jiji and David campaigned for dedicated funding from the University to establish a permanent pantry. Thanks to those efforts and Amber’s support with the Student Experience Development Fund application, we secured funding needed to launch the pantry and hire a Cost-of-Living Community Organiser. This dedicated student staff member oversees the SU food pantry.
We’ve located the pantry in a quieter, more discreet area in 1East to ensure students can access the pantry with privacy. The design of the space emphasises privacy, as we understand that many students may feel hesitant or embarrassed about seeking assistance.
The primary goal of the pantry is to alleviate the financial burden faced by students struggling to make ends meet. We encourage any student who is experiencing financial difficulties to reach out and make use of this resource.
Thank you ManiLife!
We’re incredibly grateful to ManiLife for their generous donation of peanut butter and peanuts to the SU Food Pantry. Their kindness helps us continue providing food items to students in need.
FAQ’s:
The SU Food Pantry is in 1 East, Room 3.11. It's next to the printer and has a sign outside the door.
Option 1 – From Norwood House North:
- Start at the Norwood House North Level 2 lift, accessed by going down the corridor to the left of the Market in the SU building.
- Go to Level 3 using either the stairs or the lift.
- Follow the corridor around until you see the printer - the Food Pantry is located to the right of the printer.
Option 2 – From The Plug:
- Go to the Plug in the SU building and head to the area with the pool tables.
- Go through the door in the corner of that space - this leads you to 1 East Level 3.
- Follow the corridor around. The Food Pantry is next to the printer.
We ask students to take a maximum of 6 items per visit.
We have a range of items including vegan and gluten-free options. Including soya milk, gluten-free fusilli, gluten-free cornflakes. We encourage students to leave the ‘free from’ items for students with dietary requirements.
No, it is only 6 items per individual.
Yes. Please bring your University of Bath library card, we will use this to ensure you are a University of Bath student.
Presenting your library card is helpful but not required – you may decline if you do not feel comfortable.
No booking is required. The Pantry is drop-in during opening hours.
University of Bath’s Cost of living advice and support for students: Cost of living advice and support for students
Student blog on budgeting at university: How to Budget at University | Student bloggers
Booking a 1:1 appointment with Student Money Advice via email studentmoneyadvice@bath.ac.uk or online Making an appointment or attending a drop-in session with Student Money Advice
University of Bath’s Financial Support Fund – a safety net for students in financial difficulty: Applying for the University of Bath Financial Support Fund
Short term loans for students with temporary cash flow problems: Short-term loans