2.3.5 Staff hunger interventions
Universitas Islam Sultan Agung (UNISSULA) is committed to supporting the welfare and well-being of its lecturers and administrative staff as part of its broader commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger.
UNISSULA recognizes that access to adequate and nutritious food is an important component of a healthy and productive working environment. Therefore, the university supports food accessibility for its employees through campus food services, social assistance initiatives, and institutional welfare programs.
These efforts are aligned with UNISSULA’s commitment to creating an inclusive university environment in which the basic needs and welfare of members of the academic community are given appropriate attention.
Affordable Food Access for Staff
UNISSULA provides access to food services through campus canteens and other food facilities available within the university environment. These facilities offer a variety of meals and beverages at different price levels, providing staff members with convenient access to food during working hours.
The availability of affordable food on campus helps lecturers and administrative staff meet their daily food needs without having to leave the university environment during working activities.
Campus food providers are encouraged to maintain appropriate standards related to:
- food hygiene and safety;
- nutritional quality;
- reasonable pricing;
- food variety;
- clean food preparation and dining areas; and
- responsible food waste management.
Through these facilities, UNISSULA seeks to create a supportive working environment in which access to food is readily available to members of the university community.
Food Support Through Social and Religious Programs
As an Islamic university, UNISSULA has a strong culture of social solidarity and mutual assistance. This commitment is reflected in various social, religious, and community-based activities involving lecturers, administrative staff, students, and the wider university community.
Through institutions and programs related to zakat, infaq, and sadaqah, including LAZIS UNISSULA, the university facilitates social assistance for members of the community who require additional support.
Food-related assistance may be provided through activities such as:
- distribution of food packages;
- Ramadan food-sharing programs;
- iftar and religious community activities;
- social assistance for people in need; and
- other humanitarian and community support programs.
These initiatives contribute to strengthening social protection and reducing the risk of food insecurity among members of the UNISSULA community.
Ramadan and Religious Food-Sharing Activities
UNISSULA’s religious activities provide additional opportunities to support food accessibility and social solidarity.
During Ramadan and other religious occasions, the university community participates in food-sharing activities involving university units, campus mosques, student organizations, social institutions, and members of the academic community.
Food distribution activities provide direct benefits to participants while also strengthening the values of generosity, mutual care, and social responsibility that are embedded within UNISSULA’s Islamic academic culture.
These activities are particularly relevant to SDG 2 because they provide direct food assistance while encouraging members of the university community to participate in addressing food insecurity.
Campus Food Services for Employees
UNISSULA’s campus food services also play an important role in supporting staff welfare.
By providing food outlets within the campus environment, lecturers and administrative staff have access to meals and beverages during their working hours. The availability of different food choices enables employees to select meals according to their preferences and financial circumstances.
UNISSULA encourages campus food providers to gradually strengthen the availability of:
- nutritious meals;
- affordable meal options;
- locally sourced food products;
- safe and hygienic food;
- environmentally responsible food services.
This approach connects employee welfare with the university’s wider commitment to sustainable food systems.
Social Solidarity and Employee Well-being
Food security interventions at UNISSULA are also connected with the university’s broader culture of social responsibility.
The university encourages members of the academic community to participate in charitable and social activities that support colleagues, students, and surrounding communities who may require assistance.
This culture of mutual support reflects the principles of Budaya Akademik Islami (BudAI) and strengthens solidarity within the university community.
Rather than treating food security solely as an individual issue, UNISSULA approaches it as part of a broader institutional responsibility involving welfare, social inclusion, community engagement, and sustainable development.
Sustainable Food and Staff Welfare
UNISSULA also integrates staff welfare with its sustainability initiatives.
Food services and social programs are encouraged to support responsible consumption and reduce unnecessary food waste. These efforts are connected with UNISSULA’s broader environmental sustainability initiatives, including waste separation, food waste management, and the promotion of responsible consumption.
Through this integrated approach, food accessibility, employee welfare, and environmental sustainability are addressed together as components of a sustainable university environment.
Continuous Improvement
UNISSULA continues to strengthen its employee welfare and food security initiatives through:
- improving access to affordable food on campus;
- strengthening food safety and hygiene standards for campus food providers;
- expanding food-sharing and social assistance activities;
- strengthening the role of LAZIS UNISSULA in social support programs;
- improving identification of members of the university community requiring assistance; and
- integrating food security initiatives into the university’s broader SDGs and sustainability programs.
Through these efforts, UNISSULA demonstrates its commitment to SDG 2: Zero Hunger by supporting the food security and welfare of its employees while building a healthy, inclusive, socially responsible, and sustainable university environment.