The EDIT is calling for Glasgow Caledonian University to continue its free breakfast initiative into the coming academic season.
Considering the cost-of-living crisis, GCU announced in November that it would be offering all students and staff a free breakfast and hot drink on weekday mornings from 8-11 am. This is no longer the case.
The programme, initially intended to last til March, was extended til the end of the semester but officially ended in May and there has been no mention of it returning for the new semester.
Why is this the case? Has this cost-of-living crisis been brought to an abrupt halt and students can now afford to fend for themselves? Caley’s former Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Pamela Gillies did say it was to help us through the challenging time. Unfortunately, things have not yet improved. Food prices have continued to rise at their highest rate in 45 years and over one million Scottish adults have had to cut back on grocery shopping.
This is not sustainable, and The EDIT believes the uni has an opportunity to grant some relief to students and create a better learning environment. As bursaries rise so has the price of food, energy and student accommodation leaving many young adults wondering how to balance their new life with keeping on top of the essentials.
Eating breakfast boosts your energy levels which is vital for keeping attention up.
On top of the obvious health and financial benefits of free breakfast, the initiative also provided a social opportunity to students as the George Moore canteen packed out with groups of classmates and friends taking advantage of the offer.
Many a morning last term was spent with my course mates, eating baked beans and indulging in the succulent porridge on offer to set us up for the day ahead.
Instead of rushing around the kitchen every morning, we had the incentive to come to uni before class and set ourselves up for a more structured, organised start to the day.
On top of the excitement of starting university, there can also be a great deal of anxiety for students beginning a new chapter of their lives.
The reinstatement of the free breakfast initiative would go a long way to helping freshers settle into their time in Glasgow and ensure they are in the best possible state to excel at Glasgow Caledonian University.
The EDIT has approached GCU’s press office for comment – they have not yet replied.
SIGN OUR PETITION FOR FREE BREAKFAST HERE
