A Student Pantry Shaped by Students, For Students
With more than 26,000 students across Griffith Uni that the SRC and GUPSA support, we know that every student has different experiences, circumstances and needs.
Since the Student Pantry began two years ago, we have been listening to students and making changes based on their feedback. In 2026, we took this one step further by inviting students to help design the future of the Pantry.
Students Helped Shape the Future
In June 2026, students shared their experiences, ideas and priorities through co-design workshops and a student poll.
Students discussed what they value most about the Pantry, what could be improved and what they would like to see in the future. They then worked together to create their ideal Student Pantry model.
Their feedback is helping us create a service that better reflects students’ needs and the wider Griffith community.
What Would the Perfect Student Pantry Look Like?
One of the activities in the co-design workshop was called “The Perfect Student Pantry” Brain Write.
Students were given the opportunity to share ideas about what an ideal Pantry could provide and how it could differ from other university food support services.
Five key areas emerged from the activity:
- Making food go further – How can the Pantry help students get the most from the food and support available?
- Access and student use – How often should students be able to access the Pantry, while making sure the service remains available to those who need it?
- A consistent and accessible service – How can we make the Pantry easy to understand, reliable and accessible for students?
- Essential items and variety – What products do students need most, and how can we provide a useful range of options?
- Community and connection – How can Pantry events and activities help students feel more connected to the university community?
Turning Student Ideas into a Plan
With such a diverse student community, we know that one Pantry model cannot meet every student’s needs.
The SRC and GUPSA Boards, alongside GUSA’s Material Aid Coordinator, reviewed student feedback and service data, as well as the financial and practical requirements of running the Pantry.
Together, this information has helped shape a staged plan to improve the Student Pantry and create opportunities for the service to keep growing alongside students and their changing needs.
Most importantly, this process has given students a direct role in shaping a service designed to support them. Their ideas are helping guide what the Student Pantry can become next.
Thank you!
Griffith University Student Associations would like to thank the students who participated in the co-design workshops and actively contributed to improving the pantry experience for their peers. We would also like to thank the many students, staff, and community members who generously donate to the pantry. As this report highlights, the Student Pantry is about more than cost-of-living relief; it is an integral part of creating a university experience where all students feel like they belong.
