Interview with Kim White, TUSA’s Sustain & Support Manager
Food insecurity on campus is a growing challenge, but the Tasmanian University Student Association (TUSA) is meeting it head-on. We sat down with Kim White, TUSA’s Sustain & Support Manager, to discuss how their TUSA Food Hubs have evolved from a simple veggie bag scheme into a statewide network offering essential relief for UTAS students.
Tell us, what is the TUSA food Hub, who operates it and how did the TUSA food hub come about?
It’s a free and affordable food service for all UTAS students. We offer different tiers depending on what a student can afford. They can always access free fruit, veggies, bread, and frozen meals donated by our wonderful partners (full list on our website). Then, they can “add on” pantry items for just a dollar each – we subsidize these so students can walk away with a bag of affordable groceries. It’s a statewide operation – including our campus in Rozelle, NSW – run by me and our wonderful Food Hub officers: Shan-Yu in the South, Maddie in the North, Cathy in the Northwest, and Thierry in Rozelle. And then we have our incredible team of student volunteers we couldn’t do without.
The 2024 Food insecurity survey data shows that over 50% of UTAS students identify as food insecure. What does that look like in reality?
It ranges from “marginal” insecurity – constantly worrying about how much money is left for food – to “severe” insecurity. We know 29% of students are severely food insecure, meaning they are skipping meals and going hungry multiple times a week. There’s an old “rite of passage” myth that students should just tolerate eating 2-minute noodles, but we’re advocating against that. Food insecurity directly impacts learning, wellbeing, and whether students stay enrolled at university. Students cannot thrive academically when their basic needs are not met. Access to education should not depend on whether a student can afford food.
The 2024 Year in Review highlighted an increasing reliance on Food Hubs across our campuses. How has TUSA evolved its support systems to meet this growing need while ensuring students still feel empowered and supported?”
Our Food Hub pilot first commenced on the Sandy Bay campus in July 2023, in partnership with Loaves and Fishes. We reached ~5,000 students in 2024. And whilst the pilot was successful, we knew we weren’t reaching UTAS students on other campuses. In response, we worked hard to secure grant funding to expand the Food Hub model statewide and better meet the needs of our growing student community.
Since then, we’ve significantly expanded the program. We opened the Inveresk Food Hub in Launceston in March 2025, followed by Cradle Coast Food Hub in Burnie, in May. In July, we launched in Hobart City and Rozelle in NSW, ensuring more UTAS students could access support wherever they are studying.
Alongside expanding access, we’ve also strengthened the wrap-around support available to students. Food Hub visitors can be referred to our Student Advocacy and Student Legal Services, which both provide free and confidential support for students experiencing challenges during their studies. Our Student Advocates can assist with financial support, including grocery vouchers, and work with students to develop practical strategies to navigate difficult situations. Our Student Legal Service also provides advice and support on matters such as tenancy, workplace issues, contracts, consumer rights, family violence, disputes with the University, and criminal charges.
We’ve also introduced additional food education initiatives, such as cooking classes and gardening workshops. These programs aim to build students’ confidence and practical skills, so they’re not only receiving food support in the moment but also gaining tools that help them feel more empowered and resilient in the long term.
In 2026, we are opening a Social Enterprise Cafe and Social Supermarket, to continue to meet the demand and also to ensure a sustainable long-term model going forward.
With Hubs now active from Hobart to the Cradle Coast, how important is it to include fresh, seasonal Tasmanian produce in your weekly offerings?
In short – it’s super important. Fresh produce is the main thing students tell us they simply can’t afford. We work closely with Loaves and Fishes, and many of their fruits and veggies come from local Tasmanian producers. We also partner with the UTAS Community Gardens, which allows us to include fresh, locally grown produce whenever it’s available. We love when a crop is in season because there’s an abundance for the students, and it gives us a chance to teach them how to cook with that specific produce.
Beyond the pantry staples, you run “Bubble and Squeak” lunches and cooking classes. How do these help students build confidence?
Many students move out of home and realise they’ve never really learned to cook. Our weekly classes in Hobart, Launceston, and Burnie help them use the veggies they find at the Hub, but they also offer a social environment. Whether it’s a two-hour cooking class or just stopping by to prep onions for 10 minutes at a community lunch, it’s about meeting people and sharing stories. We’re here for the “fun times” too – Uni isn’t just for study; it’s for connection.
For the producers and community members reading this, what is the most effective way they can support the TUSA Food Hub – whether through donations, volunteering, or partnerships?
All of the above! We accept both food and monetary donations, and we’re currently looking for sustainable funding partners. We actually have a prospectus coming out soon for those who want to contribute to the program on a larger scale. Otherwise, volunteering is essential for running all of our Food Hubs – anyone can help, and our volunteers love cooking with students or helping with day-to-day operations of Food Hub, as well as getting to know the students. If you have an idea for a partnership that offers program sustainability, social connection or skill-building, come and chat with us.
Finally, what is your favourite fruit and what veggie could you not live without?
Favorite Fruit – I think my favourite fruit would be a strawberry, if it’s in season and really juicy and flavourful.
Favorite Veggie – The versatile potato!
The Wrap
Where: Hobart City, Sandy Bay, Inveresk, Cradle Coast, and Rozelle.
What’s on Offer: A mix of free and affordable fresh produce, pantry staples, and ready-made meals, alongside free cooking classes and community lunches to help UTas students build skills, feel supported, and stay connected.
More info: TUSA Food Hub
Donation Link: My Cause – TUSA Food Hub
Contact Kim to discuss ways to partner: kimberley.white@utas.edu.au
