A Holistic Programme on Student Food Security
Proper nutrition is critical to the physical and mental well-being of students. Malnutrition or hunger can affect cognitive function, concentration, and overall health, ultimately impacting academic performance. By ensuring that students have access to nutritious meals, universities can support the physical and mental health of their students.
Sriwijaya University itself has implemented a holistic student food security program consisting of the following programs:
- Campus Food Pantries
Some faculties at Sriwijaya University have established campus food pantries to provide students with immediate access to free and affordable food. These pantries provide non-perishable items, fresh produce and basic groceries, allowing students to focus on their studies instead of worrying about their next meal.
- Meal Swipe Donation Programs
The Student Community has a Meal Swipe Donation Initiatives program where students with extra meal credits can donate them to students in need. This program allows students to eat in the dining hall without additional financial burden and fosters a supportive campus community.
- Rice for Students
The Faculty of Agriculture opened a rice kiosk for the campus community, which is open to all, including students, at lower selling prices with good quality rice, the result of the last growing season’s rice harvest. The main manager of this rice kiosk is a student with the help of experienced faculty. This activity was carried out to ensure the availability of basic food for students and to eliminate the possibility of hunger among Sriwijaya University students.
- Partnerships with local food banks (Desa Binaan UNSRI)
Sriwijaya University is increasingly partnering with local food banks and non-profit organizations to ensure a consistent supply of food for students in need. These partnerships strengthen support networks and increase resources, creating a more resilient framework for student food security. Sriwijaya University has a long history of partnering with villages, where through this program, the academic community shares knowledge in various areas, including food availability and security, with local farmers. And the local farmer becomes a supplier of staple foods for UNSRI’s needs.
