Grounded Cafe: A Student-Run Social Enterprise in Hobart's CBD

Grounded cafe, a new student-run business in Hobart's CBD, operates as a social enterprise under the Tasmanian University Student Association (TUSA). Its profits are directed toward TUSA's food insecurity programs, rather than generating private profit.

Key Details

• Located in Hobart's midtown area, the cafe is open to the public with a 20% discount for students.
• A pay-it-forward system allows customers to purchase coffee or meals for others.
• The cafe employs students who gain valuable hospitality skills.

Behind the cafe, TUSA operates five food hubs across University of Tasmania campuses. These hubs provide free items like fresh produce, bread, and frozen meals to students in need. Pantry items (e.g., rice, canned goods) are available at low cost.

According to TUSA, about 25% of UTAS students accessed the food hub in 2025.

The Crisis Driving the Mission

A 2024 University of Tasmania survey found that 53% of students faced food insecurity, with one in three skipping multiple meals per week. Cost-of-living pressures were cited as contributing factors.

"If we're not able to eat as students, then we are not able to engage with study, we're not able to graduate and contribute to the Tasmanian workforce more broadly."
— TUSA President Jack Oates Pryor

He also noted that students were "working an average of 29 hours per week in addition to their studies."

TUSA's food security project lead Kim White stated that food hubs have kept some students enrolled in university and reduced stress.

Future Plans

TUSA plans to open a social supermarket within the next year, which would provide free food to students and discounted items to the broader community.

The food hubs are funded by grants and donations from food banks and charities; the cafe is intended to provide sustainable funding for these programs.

Voices from the Student Community

"The cafe is a 'third space' that had been missing."
— Student Mark

"The cafe is affordable and conveniently located."
— Student Sophia

Former student Dylan noted a lack of similar affordable spaces during his studies.

"The food hub is essential for international students."
— Volunteer student Jhumu

"The food hub helped me stock up on food."
— Student Catherine

"The service made me feel cared for."
— Student Jj