Chartwells Universities and Northumbria University are relaunching their app-powered food and drink credit initiative for a second year following its introduction in September 2025.
The scheme provides £100 of credit to students living in university accommodation for the first time, with funding provided by Northumbria University and delivered through Chartwells’ UniFoodHub app.
During its first year, 3,500 students were able to redeem the credit across food, drink and social spaces on campus.
The initiative was developed to provide additional cost-of-living support for students while encouraging new arrivals to use campus facilities and engage with university life.
Chartwells and Northumbria University said the scheme has also been designed to support social connections and create more inclusive campus environments.
The initiative contributed to Northumbria University recording its biggest-ever sales month in October 2025, when more than £500,000 was spent across campus outlets.
Following the first year, the partners have expanded the locations where the credit can be redeemed.
Students will now be able to use their allowance across campus cafés, the UniFoodHub delivery service and the Students’ Union restaurant, providing additional choice and flexibility.
The scheme will be repeated for students joining the university in September 2026.
New investment in till software will also enable students to scan their app wallets directly at till points, with the technology intended to create a faster purchasing experience.
Alongside the credit initiative, Chartwells has introduced social enterprise vending across Northumbria University’s estate.
The vending offer includes products from social enterprises and B Corp-certified suppliers, giving students the opportunity to support businesses with a social purpose through everyday purchases.
The concept was developed on site and is new to the wider Chartwells portfolio, with the company now considering whether it could be introduced across other university campuses.
David Jackson, Director of Campus Experience at Northumbria University, said: “Supporting our students goes beyond the classroom and introducing the app credit has been a powerful way to do this.
“It not only helps with the cost-of-living, but also encourages students to explore the campus and connect with each other. As a result, we have seen the app become an accessible tool to help students settle in and make the most of the community on offer.”
Rachel Carter, Managing Director at Chartwells Universities, added: “Our partnership with Northumbria University is built on shared values around inclusion, opportunity and student wellbeing.
“The food credit is a great example of how we can enhance the student experience. The strong uptake shows how valuable this kind of support is, and we’re proud to work with Northumbria University to create a campus experience where students feel connected.”
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