Food has multiple roles within individuals’ lives, with the potential to bridge gaps between different groups and enhance belonging. This project sought to explore through food-related images submitted by staff and students, the themes and values identified, and explore whether taking part enhanced belonging at university. Data were collected using a questionnaire and optional interviews. The questionnaire included information about demographics, food-related questions, and a link to upload a food-related image. University staff and students were invited to participate by email. A total of 23 staff and 67 students filled in questionnaires, and 13 interviews (4 staff and 9 students) were completed. Multiple themes were identified from the findings. These included food as an evocation of place, time and people; food in relation to tradition; the use of food to bring people together and to share, and food-related skills such as cooking and growing. Health and wider themes such as the environment and global warming were also highlighted. Demographic, study or work characteristics had little impact on either food-related beliefs and behaviours or sense of belonging at the institution. Participation increased sense of belonging in 39% of staff and 49% of student participants. Decrease in the sense of belonging was not observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]