Hardships and Food Poverty

For a lot of students, thinking about food means thinking about what you can afford, what you have time for, and whether there’s enough left in the bank to eat properly at all.  

At RHSU, we know that student life can be expensive. Rising rent, energy bills, travel costs, and the pressure of juggling work and study all add up. For many, food is where sacrifices are made first. Skipping meals, cutting portion sizes, or relying on the cheapest options available has become an all-too-common part of student survival.  

Recent Cost of Living Surveys conducted by our Voice Team found that 42% of students who took part in the survey have skipped meals or reduced their food intake to save money.  

That’s why we are launching Budget to Bite, a new campaign led by your VP Wellbeing & Diversity to make good food easy, affordable, and fun.   

But What Do We Mean by Food Poverty?  

Food poverty isn’t always obvious. It doesn’t just look like having no food at all. It can mean:  

• Skipping meals so that rent or bills can be paid.

• Relying on cheap, low-nutrition food because healthier options feel out of reach.  

• Feeling anxious about money every time you go food shopping.  

• Not having the equipment, time, or knowledge to cook affordable meals.  

Food hardship can affect your energy, concentration, physical health, and mental wellbeing, which in turn impacts your studies and overall university experience.  

So, Why Budget to Bite?  

Budget to Bite aims to open up honest conversations about hardship, money, and food. By talking openly, sharing tips, and supporting one another, we can start to reduce stigma and make sure students know where help is available.  

We’re here to you show that:  

• You don’t need a big budget to make good food.  

• Eating well can be realistic, not restrictive.  

• Cooking is a life skill, not something you’re ‘bad at’.  

Keep an eye out for upcoming events, resources, and content throughout the campaign week!  

Budget To Bite