I’m so excited to announce the official launch of ‘SU-permarket’ on January 28th! This is a brand-new pop-up store initiative offering free essential groceries to students in financial difficulty. The SU-permarket will run every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM during term time, in the University Centre on Mill Lane—just a short walk from both the Sidgwick and Downing sites. We’ll have loads of essentials available, including breakfast items, rice, pasta, noodles, sauces, tinned fruits and vegetables, sweet treats, and so much more.
This project has been one of my key goals as your UG Access, Education, and Participation (AEP) Officer, and was one of the main things on my manifesto so I’m thrilled to finally get it up and running. With the rising cost of living and growing concerns about student food insecurity, this project couldn’t come at a better time. A recent report from the Office for Students (OfS) shows that 9 in 10 students are worried about the cost of living, with many skipping meals in order to be able to get by.
Here in Cambridge, rising food costs at colleges mean that traditional college provisions are no longer a reliable, affordable option for some students. No one should have to choose between going out with friends and being able to eat. This initiative aims to ease that pressure so students can focus on their studies without worrying about where their next meal will come from.
Back in Michaelmas term, we secured funding for the scheme through an ‘Action Motion to Establish a Student Food Support Program’, allocating £500 from the council free budget to kick-start this project and fund its trial period to the end of February. This is where I need your help: Your feedback is crucial! Come along, check it out, and let us know how we can improve. Whether it’s adding new grocery items or tweaking the way it runs, your input will shape the future of this initiative.
I can’t wait to see you at the SU-permarket!