Alongside BNU, we are delighted to announce that the University is funding initiatives to subsidise the cost of food at its campus cafes to support its students and staff with the cost-of-living crisis.
From today (Tuesday 20 September), the cheaper new menus available across the cafes at BNU’s campuses, run by the Students’ Union, will offer a wide range of tasty meal options at reduced prices including sandwiches, paninis, wraps, jacket potatoes and the salad bars to make lunchtime visits more affordable. More substantial meals are also on offer throughout the day at The Lounge on the High Wycombe Campus including bacon baps (£1.20); eggs benedict (£2.50); sausage, mash and peas (£2.30); vegan burger (£3.80); and traditional fish and chips (£3.45). Catering for all dietary requirements, the new lounge menu is available online with the cafes' opening times here.
The University is also providing further funding so that free hot meals, including a vegan option, are provided on Tuesdays and Thursdays (5:30 - 7:30pm) and Sundays (6:30 - 8.30pm) to enable the BNU community to come together to share a communal dining experience in a safe, warm environment. Bucks Students’ Union will run ‘The Big Bucks Meal Deal’ from Tuesday 27 September in the Students’ Unions’ Lounge.
Brandon Tester, Vice President Education and Welfare at Bucks Students’ Union, who is heading up the Union’s response to the cost-of-living crisis on behalf of its members, said:
“The Big Bucks Meal Deal starts on Tuesday 27 of September and is a great opportunity for us all to get together. We know that the cost-of-living crisis is a concern for our members, and we are really pleased that BNU is supporting us in taking just a little of the pressure off as the winter months approach. The Lounge is comfortable and warm and whether we are serving up plates of comforting pasta, or a great big curry, we’ll try and make sure there’s something for everyone where all are welcome! If you're struggling, you can also check out my Big Budget Busting Booklet for help and advice on where to turn with saving money and budgeting at University.’’
Professor Rachel Cragg, Senior Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education & Digital) at Buckinghamshire New University said:
“Doing the right thing by our students and staff is always important to us. And so we want to play our part in helping people in our University community to cope with rising energy and food prices. This initiative is another example of how the University works together in partnership with Bucks Students’ Union to provide BNU students with the best university experience. We are also proud to fund the Big Deal which offers free skills development sessions, sport, societies, and recreation to BNU students through a programme which is curated and delivered by the Students’ Union.” BNU also provides discretionary financial assistance for students to help them access and remain in higher education through its BNU Hardship Fund which is particularly aimed at those students who need financial help to meet specific course and living costs that cannot be met from other sources of support.