The Student Pantry reopens for 2025: ‘It doesn’t feel like a food bank’

The KingsGate Student Pantry reopened its doors to students for the first time this academic year in January.

Founded in November 2023, this non-profit organisation led by students and volunteers allows all Kingston University students to buy a weekly food-shop for £5 and receive £20-£25 worth of goods

“There is a lot of food wastage in the UK so it makes a lot of sense to provide university students with the help they need,” said Bella Nyamse, student administrator of the Student Pantry.

“This is something that is dear to my heart and many people do not know about this opportunity that is right in front of them, we need to get the word out as it will do students a lot of good,” said Nyamse.

The goods are split into different categories using shapes. Students receive one star item, a hygiene product such as face wash or shampoo. Two diamond items, which are high value items such as eggs, cheese and meats. Next are seven triangle items, which are lower value items like cereal, pasta, rice, tinned food and spreads like jams and peanut butter.

Alongside this there is unlimited fruit and vegetables for every student.

“We cater for all people no matter their dietary requirements and it is high quality food,” said Nyamse.

Nutrition student Gina Garthwaite explained that: “Vegan snacks are extremely expensive in supermarkets, the pantry gives me affordable access to this.”

On arrival, students can receive complimentary tea and coffee as well free snacks from cakes to homemade goods from the kitchen volunteers.

 “When students come here and it doesn’t feel like a food bank, it feels like people are coming to a cafe to chat with their friends and have some free food and refreshments,” said Lily Klyhn, art student and kitchen volunteer.

“I am not personally religious and although this is a church I felt instantly accepted and not like an outsider,” said Klyhn.

She added: “Students do not have to be religious either, and student from any religion is welcome here.”

“I have been to the pantry before and there have been complimentary cheese boards with brie, as a student I would never even think about having access to these sorts of luxuries which was extremely exciting,” said Maddie Forester, a Kingston student.

Furthermore, The Pantry offers pastoral support to students who would like access to it. They can also signpost to the University for support with hardship funds and mental health care.

“The staff and people are so friendly and always up for a chat. Sometimes you have days where you are not in the mood for talking but they manage to get you to talk, and you always leave feeling better for it,” said Forester.

The Student Pantry is open from 12 January – 6 April 2025. It will reopen for the summer term on 27 April until 29 June 2025.

It is located at Kingsgate church, Clarence Street, between the Kings Tun pub and KFC and is open for all Kingston students and staff every Sunday between 1.30-3.15pm.