The traditional image of university students as cash strapped with less than perfect diets could be about to change with the introduction of a new scheme from Homebase and the National Union of Students (NUS) to allow thousands of undergraduates to grow and eat their own fruit and veg. With rising student debt and high food inflation impacting on student dietary habits, the introduction of the 'Fresher Freshers' initiative couldn't come at a better time.       

 Launching on Friday 28 May, the Grow Your Own' (GYO) scheme aims to promote a long-term behavioral change amongst some of the most financially pressured in society, who often struggle to eat a balanced diet. The average student leaves university with £20,000 worth of debt^[1] and recent research into student eating habits^[2] showed that 63% of students have changed their diet to eat less nutritious food as a result of financial pressures. With food inflation rising to 2.6% in April^[3] and £200 million of university funding cuts just announced, this effect is only likely to increase.          

The Homebase scheme will provide plants, seeds and tools, as well as advice and support from local stores, to universities that have provided land and staff to support the initiative. Campus activity will include creation of GYO societies, development of plots and polytunnels, the implementation of veg box schemes and the sale of produce back to fellow students and local communities.  

Matthew Compton, category manager, garden horticulture at Homebase says: "This initiative is about creating a generation of graduates with healthier, greener and more pocket-friendly eating habits. If students learn at this influential life-stage to grow healthy, fresh food for themselves and their local communities we hope they will take those skills and that passion on into later life. The GYO category increased 30% year on year in 2009 and we want students to be able to benefit from this social trend."

Susan Nash, Vice President of Society and Citizenship of NUS says "Recent NUS research has shown us that 42% of students would grow their own fruit and vegetables if given the facilities and tools. The 'Fresher Freshers' initiative offers universities and students that opportunity and we are looking forward to seeing the fruits of our labour in the near future."

The initial rollout will see capital, product and expert support provided to the University of Bradford Union, Leeds University Union, Liverpool Guild of Students, University of Gloucestershire Students' Union, University of Bristol Union, Students' Union Royal Holloway and University of Kent Union.

Student Sarah Taylor, who has been involved in a growing project at The University of Gloucestershire, says: "With virtually no experience of growing food or gardening when I got involved in the project, I've learnt far more than I ever expected. The practical skills, community involvement and the love of growing and cooking food are amongst the many pleasures of the project that I will take with me throughout my life."

Students can log on to the online community http://www.getintogardening.co.uk/ get recipe ideas, growing tips and chat to other 'grow your own' enthusiasts in the forum section.

• [1] Survey by Push student guides, August 2008
• [2] Sodexo University Lifestyle Survey, March 2010
• [3] British Retail Consortium, May 2010