Students sustained by cost of living initiative at University of Bradford
An initiative from the University of Bradford to help students with the cost of living means that students have a multitude of affordable meal options while they are on campus.
Richmond Eatery - the main outlet for food at the university - has launched the ‘Sustain’ lunch option which provides students with a filling, hearty meal for just £2.50, and staff can enjoy the same offer. Lamb keema and rice, macaroni and cheese with garlic bread, and Quorn meatballs with a rich tomato sauce and pasta are just some of the options available. Students can also feast on daily fresh soup and bread for just £2.50 or a hot chicken wrap or loaded fries from the Curb outlet for £3.
Alison Thickett, Hospitality and Retail Manager at the university explains the benefits of the initiative: “With ever rising costs I need to ensure our students do not skip meals due to financial worries.
“The University are offering a Sustain dish of the day at an amazing price of £2.50. Not only will this sustain our students through the day, as the name infers, but by providing a Sustain dish the University kitchen at Richmond Eatery is effectively reducing any wastage by using up ingredients which may otherwise go to waste.”
With a recent award of Fairtrade status for their commitment to sustainability - and further Fairtrade ambitions - the university has a range of measures in place as part of their long-term Sustainable Development Project, with compostable crockery and cutlery and a decarbonisation scheme that aims to make the University’s Unique Fitness the UK’s first net zero carbon sports centre.
Emma Young, Associate Director of Student Success and Wellbeing at the University of Bradford understands the value of access to a good meal: “We know for many of our students having access to a hot meal, at a reasonable and affordable price, will make all the difference to how they are feeling, physically and mentally. I am pleased that the University has been able to meet this need in a creative way with the ‘Sustain’ lunch. Alongside the continued work to make our campus inclusive, with warm spaces and places to study and relax, and the financial advice, guidance and support offered by the Student Life Team, as a University we continue to find new ways to support our students in what are incredibly challenging circumstances.”