Monash student groups launch markets to tackle rising food insecurity

Maria Lammerding

Monash University student associations have used a government grant to launch a series of free community markets at Clayton campus in a bid to reduce food insecurity.

Launched in March, the markets come after the Monash Student Association (MSA) and Monash Graduate Association (MGA) noticed a growing number of students accessing their welfare programs, according to MSA president Sebastian Schultz. The two associations represent nearly 86,000 undergraduates and postgraduates at Monash.

“We were seeing an increasing demand from students for food," Mr Schultz said. "With the increasing financial pressures, we know that students are struggling."

A Monash student picks through fresh produce at the community market at Clayton campus in March. PHOTO: Monash Graduate Association

Research confirmed what they've seen, with a 2021 Melbourne University report noting that more than 40 per cent of university students are experiencing food insecurity.

Last year, when the Victorian Government offered $1.25 million in grants for community-led ideas to help deliver “healthy and culturally appropriate foods” in Melbourne, the MSA leapt at the chance to help address student needs at Monash, Mr Schultz said.

“During the [grant] application process we reached out to MGA, as this issue is not contained to undergrads,” he said. “We knew MGA was already doing a pop-up grocer, which was similar to MSA Fresh. Being able to combine resources has allowed us to reach a greater number of students.”

With the focus on supplying fresh, healthy and culturally appropriate food, MGA president Radhik Rammohan said the markets are offering "fresh food and veg from [supplier] Farmers Pick and pantry items such as pasta, grains, sauces so students are able to cook up a meal at home”.

Monash Health and Wellbeing was consulted to ensure the low-budget recipes they offer students can be made with easily procurable items, he said.

“We want to ensure that students facing vulnerability have an easy way to access healthy and culturally appropriate food in a dignified way through this community market,” Mr Rammohan said. “All students have to do is [bring] their shopping bags and head down to the Northern Lawn on Clayton campus."

The MSA x MGA Community Markets will run again on April 6, from noon to 2pm. No registration is required. A final market will be held on April 18.

Details on the markets can be found here.

Find details of MSA’s welfare program here and MGA’s welfare program here.