Community Connect
Who is the Community Connect Food Relief service for?
The Community Connect Food Relief service is for HEPPP-eligible students who have restricted or limited access to adequate amounts of nutritious foods. HEPPP funding is provided by the Australian Government to promote access to, and success in, higher education settings. You can read more about the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) funding, including eligibility criteria, here.
The rising cost of living and demands on time can negatively affect the student experience. Community Connect aims to support these students and connect them to other services so they can break the cycle of food insecurity.
If you are unsure if our service is for you, please reach out to us at student.life@anu.edu.au and one of our team members will contact you. Even if you're not HEPPP-eligible, we can still refer you to other food relief at ANU and in Canberra.
Community Connect provides a safe and welcoming space for students to connect with peers, support and community activities. We provide the Community Connect Food Relief service to eligible students experiencing food insecurity, and opportunities for students to engage with the community through events and drop-ins.
The Food Relief service provided through Community Connect will create a pathway for students to notify the University that would like to be contacted with options and information regarding food relief, food insecurity, and access to relevant support services.
Community Connect also houses one of the five ANU sponsored Dignity Vending Machines located on campus where staff and students can access a free period pack containing six tampons and two pads. A period pack can be dispensed from the machine every 3 minutes. Other locations include Chifley Library, Hancock Library, Menzies Library, and Law Library. You can find these locations using this map.
Recipes you can try at home!
Check out these easy recipes which include ingredients from the Kitchen Garden and basic staples.
Did you know?
Roughly 1 in 5 students will experience food insecurity during their studies.*
Community Connect is designed to build connection, promote belonging, and provide active engagement with Student Life services.
The Community Connect Food Relief service is available to eligible students experiencing food insecurity. It is one of several food support services available to students listed on this webpage.
*based on data collected through the Community Connect service.
What is the purpose of Community Connect?
The purpose and mission of Community Connect is to engage with our students and wider ANU community to actively address food insecurity and social isolation and foster a vibrant campus community.
Who runs Community Connect?
Community Connect is run by a small dedicated team of staff from the Student Life team. We work with staff and students across ANU to deliver our services.
What does Community Connect aim to do?
- Provide Food Relief for eligible students identifying as food insecure, engaging and connecting them with Student Life and other student support services.
- Provide opportunities to cultivate a culture of social inclusion and equity through engagement in co-curricular activities and events that not only teach valuable life-long skills but give back to community.
- Encourage students to engage with our team, get help navigating the complexities of university and student life.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Community Connect open?
Community Connect will be running a range of programs and drop in sessions across 2024. All open events will be advertised on our social media channels, as well as our Events & Stories webpage.
The Community Connect Food Relief service is available for students experiencing food insecurity throughout the year. Please contact student.life@anu.edu.au for assistance.
If you are in need of immediate assistance, please contact: student.wellbeing@anu.edu.au
The space has been organised so that there are professional staff there when it is open in order to facilitate referrals to other student support services across campus as required. It is also utilised for student engagement and development events and activities run by the wider Student Life team.
How is Community Connect funded?
ANU Community Connect is funded through Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP), with support from ANU staff and services. Student Life staff and workshops are partially funded by the Student Services Amenities Fee (SSAF).
What other programs are offered through Community Connect?
Community Connect is proud to collaborate with Student Life programs, and other departments at ANU to provide a variety of events and activities for students and staff.
If you are interested in collaborating with us for future focus groups, workshops, training, or other activities, please contact student.life@anu.edu.au.
If you have additional questions or queries that have not been addressed in the frequently asked questions, please email Student Life at student.life@anu.edu.au and a member of our team will be in touch.
If you are experiencing immediate food or financial insecurity, contact student.wellbeing@anu.edu.au for support.
ANU Community Connect is partially funded by HEPPP.
Learn more about the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
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