More than a quarter of UK universities are operating food banks, according to new findings from the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi).
In a report published on 14 September, Hepi warns that students are facing a “cost-of-learning crisis” and urges all providers to establish dedicated working groups to lead the response.
Examining the websites of the 140 members of Universities UK, researchers found that half were offering discounts for food and drink, 33 per cent were giving away free meals, and 11 per cent were giving out food vouchers.
More than a quarter (27 per cent) were operating a food bank – which, like all the statistics, Hepi said was likely to be an underestimate.
