Cheaper meals part of cost of living support

Meals costing less than half the regular price will be offered to staff by the University to help them save money amid cost of living increases.

From Tuesday 25 October, colleagues can purchase a meal and hot drink for £5.50 at Eat at the Square (Mon-Fri), and Park Eat and St Patrick's (Mon-Sun) by presenting their purple-topped Campus Card. This represents a saving of more than £6 on the regular combined price of £11.83.*

Discounted meal options, including vegetarian and vegan dishes, will be available to staff throughout the day at Eat at the Square and Park Eat, with a similar scheme in operation at The Dairy. The scheme will be active for a year, after which it is likely to be replaced by an extension of the Clever Cuisine student meal plans to cover staff.

Water remains free to staff and students at the above outlets, with sparkling water also free at Park Eat and Eat at the Square.

Matthew White, Head of Campus Commerce, said: “We recognise that the cost of living crisis will be having a financial and emotional impact on many of our colleagues, so I am pleased this initiative will go a small way to helping colleagues cut some everyday costs.”

A similar discounted meals scheme will also be available to students, while a taskforce is currently working on other support measures for our student community, to be announced soon.

The new meals offer adds to other ways the University assists staff with costs and wellbeing, including:

• Offering various ways to save money on campus, from ‘Magic Bags’ of discounted food to discounts using your Campus Card.
• Season ticket loans and discounted bus travel, making public transport more affordable and helping staff make sustainable decisions.
• A free park and ride service for colleagues from Mereoak, off the A33, to campus.
• The Employee Assistance Programme, offering free, independent advice on debt and financial management and mental health related to the cost of living, as well as counselling.
• University support webpages including advice on stress management and wellbeing.
• Allowing colleagues to apply for a TOTUM student discount card and take advantage of offers.
• Providing energy-saving tips from the Sustainability team.
• The University Chaplaincy offers some canned/dry food and hot drinks for free for its community.

Further financial support is also be available from some external organisations:

• Reading Borough Council energy bill support(see your local authority website for similar schemes).
• UK Government Money Helper online tool.
• Government support with household costs.
• Help to pay your bills provided by utility companies, such as Thames Water.

*please note these prices have been updated to reflect 2023/24 prices