Storey Scholarships help RMIT students access free groceries

Storey Scholarships help RMIT students access free groceries

More than 1,000 RMIT students accessed free grocery packs this semester through RMIT Eats, supported by the Storey Scholarships to help students manage cost-of-living pressures and stay connected to university life.

RMIT Eats was co-designed with students and food security sector leaders Just Food Collective in response to rising financial pressures identified through student consultation.

Student consultation that informed the program found one in two students were concerned their food would run out before they had money to buy more, while one in four reported going a full day without eating because of financial pressure. Students also described impacts on their wellbeing, studies and ability to participate in university life.

Paper grocery bags filled with fresh produce and pantry items, including zucchini, capsicum, carrots, tomatoes, bananas and canned food.Grocery packs prepared for students through the RMIT Eats initiative.
Two people in red RMIT hoodies stand beside a table filled with packed grocery bags at the RMIT Eats initiative, with gym equipment in the background.Student Life Ambassadors pack grocery bags for students through RMIT Eats.

Student impact

Feedback from students who took part in RMIT Eats showed the program had both financial and social benefits. Throughout the semester:

  • 95% said the program made them feel more supported as a student
  • 90% said it increased access to healthy food
  • 84% said it helped them focus more on study and other commitments

Students also described the broader impact the program had on their university experience.

One student described RMIT Eats as “one of the best student perks at RMIT”, saying it helped with cost-of-living expenses and created “a really good atmosphere on campus”.

Another student said the program eased their weekly budget and allowed them to focus more on their studies.

A third student said the program helped them save money, make friends and feel more supported while they were still looking for work.

RMIT Eats is part of RMIT’s Healthy Campus program. Alongside food support, the program includes health checks, peer connection opportunities, nutrition information and recipes, free club memberships, and inclusive sport and fitness activities.

Support behind the program

By the end of the semester, 2,876 grocery packs had been distributed, equivalent to around 18,150 serves of food. The program also used more than 4,290 kilograms of rescued produce.

Six people stand together in a room with tables of packed grocery bags behind them at the RMIT Eats free groceries initiative.The Storey family visited RMIT Eats to see the impact of support provided through the Storey Scholarships.

Since 1955, the Storey Scholarships have supported generations of RMIT students through study opportunities and other initiatives that foster opportunity, wellbeing and connection. For RMIT Eats, the Storey family contributed $30,000 through the Storey Scholarships to help fund grocery packs and support student wellbeing.

RMIT Eats also received a $6,000 grant from the RMIT Regenerative Futures Institute, helping fund additional grocery packs and extend the program’s reach.

Together, this support helped more students access practical assistance during a period of significant cost-of-living pressure.

As cost-of-living pressures continue to affect students, RMIT Eats shows how practical, student-informed support can help students stay connected to university and continue their studies.

Need support?

If cost-of-living pressures are affecting your studies, support is available through:

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Storey Scholarships help RMIT students access free groceries
Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 01 Jun 2026

More than 1,000 RMIT students accessed free grocery packs this semester through RMIT Eats, supported by the Storey Scholarships to help students manage cost-of-living pressures and stay connected to university life.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures