Food parcels prepared and ready for distribution to support students in need.

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) continues to place students at the centre of its initiatives. For the past 13 years, the Food Nutrition Programme has played a significant role in supporting students facing financial hardship, particularly those who do not receive assistance through NSFAS, bursaries, or other funding schemes. Established as a key student support intervention, the programme addresses food insecurity among vulnerable students, ensuring that hunger does not become a barrier to academic success.

The initiative relies heavily on collective community support. To ensure its sustainability, the Wellness Centre hosts an annual Golf Day, a flagship fundraising event that brings together key stakeholders, sponsors, and community members. Importantly, 100% of the funds raised are allocated directly to purchasing food parcels for students in need.

To promote fairness, transparency, and consistency, the Wellness Centre follows a rigorous verification process aligned with household income guidelines similar to those used by NSFAS. The application process is straightforward: students are required to schedule an appointment with Ms Bunini Nonyane for verification and submit all the necessary supporting documents beforehand.

Applicants must provide copies of their ID and that of their parent or guardian, proof of registration, matric certificate, full academic record, and a CUT financial statement. In addition, they are required to submit an affidavit from a parent or guardian, together with relevant financial documentation such as a salary slip, pension slip, bank statement, employer letter, or, where applicable, a death certificate.

Once approved, students receive monthly food support according to structured collection dates and procedures coordinated by the Wellness Centre. The impact of the Food Nutrition Programme extends far beyond addressing hunger, as it also contributes meaningfully to students’ mental well-being and academic performance.

“I heard about the programme through the SRC group channel, and I took it from there. I believe it will help me focus on my studies without the stress of worrying about what I will eat,” said Sandisiwe Mkhwanazi, a postgraduate student in Computer Networking.

Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive. Through messages and emails sent to the centre, many have described the programme as a vital lifeline during difficult times. Students consistently credit the initiative with easing daily stress and enabling them to focus more effectively on their studies. Beyond meeting basic needs, the programme helps restore dignity and contributes to improved academic success across the campus community.

The CUT community is encouraged to support the Food Nutrition Programme through donations and contributions aimed at assisting vulnerable students. Individuals wishing to contribute can contact Ms Bunini Nonyane, Social Auxiliary Worker, at bnonyane@cut.ac.za, or Ms Ipeleng Suka, SRC Health and Welfare Officer, at srcbfnheaandwel@cut.ac.za for the Bloemfontein campus. For the Welkom campus, enquiries can be directed to Ms Gelinda Nkili at gpillay@cut.ac.za

Some of the essential items included in the food parcels distributed to students.