Want free lunch? Arc Savers has you covered
Arc Savers is here to help you save money on basic needs and provide support.
Published on the 19 March 2026
What exactly is Arc Savers?
Arc is all about creating the best student experience for everyone who studies at UNSW through initiatives that include clubs, sports, events, and wellness.
As part of that student experience mission, Arc is also about ensuring that every student can thrive while enduring through some of the most pressing challenges facing our community, such as cost of living and food insecurity.
That's where Arc Savers comes in.
From student subsidies and food initiatives to free support services and basic needs, Arc Savers aims to provide students with the assistance they need while studying. Need breakfast, financial counselling, or discounts to help save you some money? Arc Savers have got you covered, so hit them up whenever you need a bit of support.
Free meals and the UNSW Food Security Strategy
There's a worrying level of food insecurity faced by too many UNSW students daily, with 57 per cent of full-time students experiencing it on a moderate to severe level, and 62 per cent of university students skipping meals entirely due to financial stress.
To address the challenges students face in accessing affordable and nutritious food, UNSW has created a Food Security Strategy that sets out a plan for new support programs. Shaped by student feedback and developed with the Student Experience Program in collaboration with Arc, this strategy includes several initiatives, including:
- A free Food Hub locker at the UNSW Paddington Campus that provides students with nutritious ingredients and essential basic health and hygiene products to help ease the cost of living.
- Free chef-led cooking classes on campus that help students build essential life skills and provide them with take-home ingredient kits.
- An expanded free meals program.
If you're keen to upskill your cooking skills, sign up for a free workshop.
If you need ingredients and basic needs essentials, visit the Food Hub in Paddington. Make sure to bring your own bags and containers!
Want some free lunch or an afternoon snack on campus? You can visit the Arc stalls every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at various locations on the Kensington Campus.
Other support services available
In addition to workshops, free food, and supplying basic needs, Arc Savers also has a wealth of other assistance programs and support services available to UNSW students.
If you're in need of some financial counselling, discounts, affordable pre-loved goods, or even home appliances, Arc has something to help you, should you require it.
See also
Last edited on 19 March 2026
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