newy.com.au – University of Newcastle students can now access discounted meals at Callaghan, NUspace and Gosford under an expanded program expected to provide up to 30,000 meals this semester.

The Sustain Me scheme includes $5 bánh mì and drink combinations, $4 burgers and two-for-one sushi rolls at participating campus food outlets. The university estimates the discounts could collectively save students as much as $200,000 during the semester.

The program was trialled at selected Callaghan outlets in semester one before being extended to the university’s Newcastle CBD and Gosford sites. Participating retailers and current offers are listed on the university’s Sustain Me webpage, with deals varying between campuses.

The scheme is partly funded through the Student Services and Amenities Fee, which is charged to most university students to support non-academic services and facilities. At Newcastle, the fee also helps pay for initiatives including subsidised gym memberships, health and wellbeing programs and employment advice.

University Pro Vice-Chancellor, Student Experience, Professor Jennifer McDonell said the meal discounts were introduced in response to student feedback about rising living costs.

“We know that our students are feeling the cost-of-living pressure, and this is one of the ways we can support students to access nutritious and affordable meals while they’re on campus,” Professor McDonell said.

The university’s projected $200,000 saving would amount to an average discount of about $6.67 across 30,000 meals, although the final figure will depend on student take-up.

Master of Business Administration student Alanis Dias said convenient food options were particularly important during busy study periods.

“There are plenty of days when I don’t have time to pack lunch, especially during exams and assignment periods, so having affordable food available on campus makes a real difference,” she said.

Ms Dias said the program also helped international students feel supported and connected while living away from home.