Students at York St John University offered free food, toiletries and other essentials to help with cost of living

Over the past few months, York St John University has announced a series of measures to support its students through the cost-of-living crisis. These have included trebling the size of the student support fund, heavily subsidising the costs of sports and society membership and reducing the cost of food and drink on campus.

YSJ Larder opens its doors to make sure no student goes hungry 

Over the past few months, York St John University has announced a series of measures to support its students through the cost-of-living crisis. These have included trebling the size of the student support fund, heavily subsidising the costs of sports and society membership and reducing the cost of food and drink on campus.

This week the University is pleased to announce the opening of the YSJ Larder. Building on an existing scheme, this has now been expanded to provide non-perishable foods, supermarket gift cards, toiletries, household products and stationery free of charge.

The Larder is now open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students in the Holgate building in the centre of the University’s main campus on Lord Mayor’s Walk in York.

Working with external suppliers, the University has invested significantly in a broad range and quantity of goods. All students facing cost-of-living challenges are welcome and encouraged to bring a bag to pick up to 10 items and a supermarket gift card to access fresh produce.

The Larder will be open during term time at the following times:

• Monday 12.00pm to 3.00pm
• Wednesday 9.00am to 12.00pm
• Friday 10.00am to 1.00pm

Chief Operating Officer of York St John University Rob Hickey said: “Rising inflation and interest rates are affecting living costs for everyone and students are particularly impacted. Alongside a range of other measures, we’ve opened the YSJ Larder to do what we can to make sure that no one has to go without the basics.”

Student Funding Advice team leader Rachel Loftus said: “Unfortunately, we know that the majority of UK students are really worried about the increasing cost of living. We want our students to be able to access food and essentials when they need it most”

President of Education at York St John Students' Union Aimée Yeoman said: “The YSJ Larder shows the University’s ongoing commitment to supporting students through the cost-of-living crisis, which is having a huge impact on their time at university.

“The Larder is an excellent initiative which is open to all students to access a wide range of products. If you are in need of anything, I would urge you to please access this service.” YSJ Larder is just one feature of a package of support offered to students at York St John. See the Cost of Living Support page on our website for further information.

If anyone has and questions about the support that’s on offer, please get in touch with our team at fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk.