Brakes delivers major boost to University’s Campus Larder as cost-of-living pressures persist
The University’s Campus Larder which was created in October 2023 at the height of the cost-of-living crisis, has received a significant supply boost thanks to a new partnership with national food supplier Brakes. The delivery marks a milestone in ongoing efforts to support students and staff facing financial strain.
Launched through the work of former Sabbatical Officers and the University’s Cost of Living Taskforce, the Larder has quickly become a lifeline for the campus community. Operated by the Students’ Association in collaboration with the University, it is staffed by a dedicated team: one student intern and more than 30 volunteers who keep the service running from its home inside the Students’ Association building.
Open three evenings a week during semester time – Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 5–7pm – the Larder provides essentials ranging from dry groceries to personal hygiene and cleaning products. Staff and students can book a slot online to collect what they need in a confidential and welcoming environment.
Until now, shelves have been stocked almost entirely through alumni generosity, funnelled through the University’s Cost of Living Appeal. But with demand rising and costs increasing, the Students’ Association and the University have been searching for new ways to keep supplies flowing.
That search led to Procurement Services – and ultimately to Brakes.
When the new Executive Officers took office, discussions quickly turned to the Campus Larder and its most pressing needs, particularly breakfast items. The University’s Head of Community Engagement, Lesley Caldwell, and Senior Procurement Officer, Sarah Cutler, began exploring options. As part of their ongoing work to enhance community benefits from University suppliers, they recognised a natural opportunity.
Sarah said: “The University is committed to the Sustainable Procurement Duty, which asks us to consider how our purchasing decisions can improve the social, environmental, and economic wellbeing of our community. When we learned how much the Larder was spending on essential stock, it was clear there was an opportunity to ask for support.”
Brakes, the University’s primary food supplier for Residential and Business Services, responded without hesitation. Clark Devaney, Brakes’ Account Manager for the University, immediately offered to explore what the company could contribute – building on Brakes’ existing work to support people experiencing food poverty across Scotland.
With the help of Steven McKay, Catering Manager, and the RBS catering team, the Larder received its first delivery just weeks later.
President of Union Affairs, Alice Hodges, said: “I hear directly from students about the pressures they are facing; this support from Brakes enables us to respond in a meaningful and sustainable way, ensuring the Campus Larder remains a reliable source of help when it’s needed most.
“This partnership marks a significant step forward in strengthening the support we can provide through the Larder. As cost-of-living pressures persist, guaranteeing consistent access to essential items is vital, and we are deeply grateful to Brakes for recognising the importance of this service and the impact it has on our community.”
The impact reaches beyond stocked shelves. For University leaders working closely with students, the partnership also helps address persistent misconceptions in the local community.
Lesley Caldwell noted: “While St Andrews students are often perceived as universally affluent, the reality is very different. The cost-of-living crisis continues to affect our students in very real ways. Having a dedicated service for students – and staff who may also need support – matters enormously.”
This new dimension of the relationship with Brakes will help ensure the Larder remains a reliable resource throughout the ongoing crisis.
Donations of food and household essentials are still warmly welcomed. Anyone wishing to contribute can bring items directly to the Students’ Association building on St Mary’s Place.
Holly McDonald, Campaigns & Impact Co-ordinator, who has full-time oversight of the Larder at the Students’ Association, said: “We’re incredibly grateful for everything our community has given so far, and we were overwhelmed by Brakes’ generosity. Every donation helps ensure that no student or staff member has to make the decision between heating and eating.”