From farm gate to dinner plate: University’s own-grown produce helping students in need

At a time when cost of living is hitting many people hard, Western Sydney University is helping deliver fresh, healthy produce to those who need it the most – including its own students.

Crates of colourful produce, including cucumbers, capsicums, eggplants and chillies, grown at the University’s state-of-the-art glasshouse at Hawkesbury campus have been making their way to people in need – donated to community charity Foodbank and the University’s own Western Pantry.

The University’s glasshouse is an impressive facility developed in partnership with Hort Innovation, conducting world-leading research and education in protected cropping and pollination to advance Australia’s food production capabilities.

Under climate-controlled conditions, scientists grow bays of vegetables as part of important crop-growing production and research trials, to help meet Australia’s – and the world’s – demand for fresh food.

Once harvested, the University then donates this home-grown produce to those in need.

Since the glasshouse was launched in 2017, the University has donated over 140,000 kilograms of vegetables to Foodbank. Since July last year, hundreds of kilograms of produce from the greenhouse have also been delivered to the University’s Food Pantry to also help put fresh, healthy food on students’ tables.

International PhD student, Sonu, knows firsthand just how important food security initiatives are for university students.

“Many students, particularly international students and those facing financial challenges, struggle with food security while balancing academic and living expenses. By providing accessible food assistance, Western Pantry ensures that students can focus on their education without the added stress of food insecurity,” said Sonu.

“Initiatives like Western Pantry are critical in promoting student health and well-being, social equity, and inclusivity within the university environment. Beyond its direct impact, it also fosters a sense of community, encourages student engagement, and contributes to a supportive and thriving academic ecosystem.”

Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO said it is a full-circle moment when the University’s world-leading research also makes such a big impact for its own students and local communities.

“Western Sydney University needs to be in both the education and food business,” said Professor Williams.

“We know many of our students – like many in the community – are struggling right now to support and feed themselves well while they study.

“We launched Western Pantry last year as part of our food security initiatives, to give free pantry staples and fresh produce to our students who are experiencing food insecurity as they juggle work and study. We care about the cost-of-living issues facing our students and this is such a practical way in which we can help.

“Data from our own survey reveals that more than 50 per cent of our students are food insecure, and we know that financial pressures are a growing factor for students who are considering dropping out.

“The fact that some of the fresh food we are providing as a solution to the problem is being grown right here – locally and sustainably at the University – is heartening.

“The Hawkesbury campus has such a long, rich history of agricultural research and education. It’s only fitting that this ‘own-grown’ produce we are harvesting in the heart of Sydney’s food bowl is now also helping sustain our own students and local communities in this time of need.”

ENDS

20 February 2025

Media Unit