Pulse Pantry - UOW Pulse Pulse Pantry

ABOUT THE PULSE PANTRY

The Pantry is a “free” supermarket available to current UOW students are feeling the impact of financial hardships. Products within the Pantry are displayed on shelves, and their values are represented as points instead of dollars.

Pulse are proud to recognise the hard work of our committed student volunteers that contribute so much for the operation of this service.

The primary goals for Pantry are to reduce food insecurity, address period poverty, and alleviate financial hardship among UOW students. This, in turn, helps improve student mental well-being by reducing financial stress. Pulse Pantry provides access to high-quality and nutritious items, so students don’t have to rely on cheaper, less healthy alternatives.

Stock is purchased from UOW’s Village Grocer, or donated by generous supporters including Aspire Catering & Events, Gillette, Kotex, Oz Harvest, and Share the Dignity. Some fresh produce additionally comes from our community gardens on campus.

Another key goal is a focus on sustainable practices and notably 90% of the produce is suitable for a vegan diet, and we don’t currently offer meat products to reduce emissions, especially those related to cold storage.

Where did Pulse Pantry start?

In 2020, during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, we created a program to provide free groceries and hygiene items for our students. The pandemic had exposed many difficulties our students were facing.

Initially the program involved distributing “pantry packs” filled with food and grocery items which were either purchased by Pulse using monetary donations from UOW staff, or non-perishable items which were donated by UOW staff. Additionally, we distributed hot meals donated by Pulse’s catering department, Aspire.

The response was overwhelming, and it became clear that this was an area where Pulse needed to expand our support, and so Pulse Pantry was established.

SENADistinction - Most Successful Wellbeing & Support Program

HOW IT WORKS

All UOW students will receive 10 points weekly to be redeemed on items of their choice.
All points will reset at the beginning of each week, therefore they will not roll over.
All students must have a valid UOW student ID card ready to present to Pulse staff upon entry.
Please bring your own reusable bag.
Students can only access the Pulse Pantry during its operating hours.
Lining up will commence 30 minutes prior to Pantry operating times.
Holding positions in the line is not permitted, either by people or bags – bags or items left unattended in the line will be relocated to the Pulse office and can be collected from there.

I’D LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE

If you are a current UOW student, you can sign up to become a Pulse Volunteer and sign up to Pulse Pantry shifts.
If you are a current UOW Staff member, you can contact the Pulse Pantry team to find out how you may be able to get involved.
If you are a community member, please contact UOW Pulse.