We hear you: Results of our first Essex Food focus group

Our first Essex Food Focus Group brought together voices from across the university to share honest feedback about their experience with our services. Food can be highly personal, and as we have such a large community on campus, our sessions will help highlight what matters most.

Pricing was one of the most talked about subjects, especially around sandwiches and meal deals. While many felt prices were high, our benchmarking shows that our £3.95 sandwich meal deal remains the cheapest on campus (Jan 2026). We have also run campaigns to alleviate and address cost of living pressures, providing hearty, comforting meals across our outlets, all priced at £3 or less. From this feedback, we’re reviewing our pricing model to balance affordability with sustainability, and we’re committed to expanding value options throughout the year.

Healthy eating and dietary requirements were another priority. Some of the focus group felt that there were too many fried food options. At present, 65% of Zest’s sales come from healthier items like jacket potatoes, salads, soups, smoothies, and sushi. Street food huts also offer grilled and non fried options. To make these choices clearer, we’re in the process of developing a healthy menu campaign that will launch with improved signposting.

Dietary requirements were a recurring theme, with emphasis on clearer vegan, gluten free, and halal labelling both online and in outlets. In response, all menus are being reviewed and fully labelled, a combined dietary menu will be released in our third term, and a new ‘free from’ retail section will be introduced. A separate guide will also map where dietary options can be found across campus.

Some members of our group voiced that Zest’s opening hours can be inconvenient, and we’ll be exploring extended hours to better meet demand. Weekend food options also sparked discussion; Footfall has dropped significantly due to delivery services, and previous trials like Deliveroo and extended hours weren’t successful. For now, Buffalo Joe’s and Crumbs will remain open at weekends, with Crumbs offering Zest style deals and we’ll look at expanding options where financially viable.

Stock availability at Zest was another concern, but recent improvements (like increased production based on trend data, prioritising same day cooking, and end of day discounts) have already reduced waste and shortages.

Finally, attendees were enthusiastic about Essex Food facilitating engagement events, including non profit activities and student focused initiatives. We will also explore the opportunity to bring in an academic speaker on nutrition, which could tie in well with proposed food demonstration days.

Feedback directly shapes how we improve. Thank you to everyone who contributed, and we’re committed to making Essex Food more transparent, accessible, and responsive.