A dedicated group of student volunteers is making a tangible difference in the lives of their peers through the Tygerberg Pantry Project (TPP), an emergency support initiative addressing food insecurity among Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) students.
Established in 2015 by a student who witnessed food insecurity on campus first-hand, the TPP has evolved into a trusted support system run entirely by student volunteers. The project bridges critical gaps left by funding shortfalls, offering a lifeline to students struggling to make ends meet.
“The Tygerberg Pantry Project seeks to cultivate a culture of sustainable living within the FMHS by encouraging the sharing, exchange, and anonymous use of non-perishable food items, as well as essential sanitary products. At the heart of this initiative lies a firm commitment that no student should be disadvantaged in their pursuit of academic success or in their aspiration to contribute to and lead within the South African healthcare and well-being sector due to food insecurity. The project aims to foster a compassionate and inclusive academic environment where students are empowered to support one another in meeting basic needs with dignity and respect," says Prof Regan Solomons, treasurer and main donor of TPP.
"For many students, bursary allowances cover the basics—tuition and essentials—but unexpected costs still arise and food insecurity is a reality for many students. The TPP offers a safety net when times get tough. Students are especially vulnerable before NSFAS bursaries are paid out at the beginning of the academic year," explains Shannon Swanepoel, fifth-year medical student and TPP chair.
The current seven-member committee operates as a registered NGO, functioning independently while collaborating closely with the Tygerberg Student Representative Council and Social Impact House committees across residences. "Generally, we will be the last resort when a student doesn't have food at the end of the month and they've used up all of the money that they've been getting from a bursary," Swanepoel notes.
The project's approach prioritises dignity and discretion. Students submit anonymous requests through Microsoft Teams forms, specifying exactly what they need—from canned tuna to deodorant. Social Impact House committee members then deliver items anonymously to recipients.
“We are really well supported by the staff at Tygerberg, which I'm so grateful for," says Swanepoel. The project operates entirely on donations, primarily from FMHS staff and students. Every two months, the committee places bulk orders for non-perishable items including proteins, vegetables, starches, and toiletries, distributing supplies based on need across residences.
Dr Therese Fish, FMHS Vice Dean: Clinical Services and Social Impact, recognises the project's vital role: "Food insecurity remains a significant challenge affecting student success and wellbeing on our campus. The TPP committee's dedication and compassionate approach to supporting their fellow students exemplifies the values we strive to instil: service, empathy, and community care. Their work ensures no student has to choose between academic success and basic necessities."
Looking ahead, the TPP is developing support for students on rural rotations, recognising unique challenges faced by health sciences students placed in remote locations. “Students travel to rural sites for quite a while and then we would want to put a parcel together for them," Swanepoel explains. These students often lack access to grocery stores and may drive hours to reach shops.
The initiative also provides vouchers for the campus OK grocery store through the university social worker Ms Sinazo Nyembezi, particularly supporting NSFAS students during the challenging period before bursary payouts arrive at year's start.
While TPP provides crucial emergency relief, the committee emphasises its temporary nature. Students requiring ongoing support are encouraged to contact the university social worker at support@sun.ac.za for sustainable long-term solutions.
How to help
The TPP relies entirely on community support to continue its vital work. Those wishing to contribute can make monetary donations—with tax-deductible receipts available through the project's NGO status—or donate non-perishable food items and toiletries. Essential items include canned proteins like tuna and beans, rice, pasta, toiletries, and hygiene products.
For donation inquiries, contact the TPP via email at supportus@sun.ac.za?, or follow their social media pages for banking details and updates on current needs.
TPP Facebook page
TPP Instagram feed
Banking details for monetary donations:
Bank: Standard Bank
Account Name: Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票
Account Number: 073006955
Reference: KP R5232?
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