2.3.2 Students hunger interventions
UNISSULA Student Food Support Programs: Strengthening Student Welfare and Supporting SDG 2 Zero Hunger
Universitas Islam Sultan Agung (UNISSULA) demonstrates its commitment to supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger through various student hunger intervention programs aimed at ensuring that students have access to adequate, nutritious, and affordable food.
As an Islamic university committed to the values of Islamic Academic Culture (Budaya Akademik Islami – BudAI), UNISSULA recognizes that student welfare is an essential component of sustainable education. The university believes that academic success cannot be separated from the fulfillment of students’ basic needs, including access to sufficient and nutritious food.
Through collaboration between university units, student organizations, social institutions, and the wider academic community, UNISSULA implements various initiatives to reduce the risk of student hunger and food insecurity among students.
Student Food Assistance Program
UNISSULA provides food assistance and social support programs for students who experience economic challenges and require additional support in fulfilling their basic needs.
These programs aim to:
- support students facing financial difficulties;
- ensure students can continue their academic activities without barriers caused by food insecurity;
- strengthen social responsibility and solidarity within the university community.
The interventions include:
- distribution of food assistance for students in need;
- food-sharing activities during special occasions;
- student welfare support programs through university social institutions;
- assistance programs for economically disadvantaged students.
Through these initiatives, UNISSULA demonstrates its commitment to creating an inclusive educational environment where students’ basic needs are considered as an important part of academic achievement.
Ramadan Food Sharing Program
UNISSULA actively conducts social food-sharing initiatives during the month of Ramadan as part of its commitment to student welfare and community support.
Through collaboration between university units, campus mosques, student organizations, and social institutions such as LAZIS UNISSULA, Ramadan food-sharing activities provide direct food support for students and members of the surrounding community.
The program includes:
- distribution of iftar meals for students;
- provision of food packages during Ramadan;
- community-based social activities that encourage mutual care and solidarity.
Beyond providing direct food assistance, this initiative strengthens social values, compassion, and the spirit of sharing among the UNISSULA academic community.
Evidence:
- Ramadan activity documentation;
- beneficiary records;
- activity reports from LAZIS UNISSULA;
- photos and publications of food distribution activities.
Friday Blessing and Campus Social Food Programs
UNISSULA encourages social responsibility through regular food-sharing activities involving students, lecturers, staff, and university communities.
Programs such as Friday Blessing Activities provide free meals and food assistance for students and surrounding communities as a manifestation of humanitarian values and social responsibility.
These activities involve:
- university community members;
- student volunteers;
- social institutions;
- student organizations.
In addition to addressing food accessibility challenges, these programs also provide students with opportunities to actively participate in social initiatives and develop empathy, leadership, and community engagement skills.
LAZIS UNISSULA Support for Student Welfare
As part of its commitment to social responsibility, LAZIS UNISSULA plays an important role in managing social assistance programs that support students and communities in need.
Through the management of zakat, infaq, and charity funds, LAZIS UNISSULA contributes to various welfare programs, including:
- assistance for economically disadvantaged students;
- support for basic needs;
- social humanitarian programs;
- empowerment programs for vulnerable groups.
These initiatives contribute to SDG 2 by improving access to food and reducing the possibility of students experiencing hunger due to economic limitations.
UNISSULA Qurban Sharing Program
UNISSULA annually conducts the Qurban (sacrificial meat distribution) program as part of its Islamic values and commitment to social responsibility.
Through this program, qurban meat is distributed to:
- surrounding communities;
- disadvantaged groups;
- members of the university community who require support.
The program contributes to improving access to nutritious food, particularly protein sources, for beneficiaries.
In addition to its social impact, the Qurban program also involves students in organizational and volunteer activities, including event preparation, management, and distribution processes. This involvement strengthens students’ awareness of social responsibility and community service.
Student Engagement in Hunger Intervention Programs
UNISSULA actively involves students in various social programs related to food security and community welfare.
Student participation is encouraged through:
- student organizations;
- community service programs;
- Ramadan social activities;
- volunteering programs.
Through these activities, students are not only beneficiaries of food support programs but also become active contributors in addressing social challenges related to hunger and food insecurity.
This approach supports the development of socially responsible graduates who understand the importance of contributing to sustainable development.
Student Engagement in Hunger Intervention Programs
UNISSULA continues to strengthen its student hunger intervention initiatives through continuous improvement and institutional development.
Future development plans include:
- improving identification systems for students requiring food assistance;
- strengthening collaboration with social institutions;
- developing sustainable student food support mechanisms;
- integrating student welfare programs with university SDGs initiatives.
Through these efforts, UNISSULA remains committed to supporting SDG 2 Zero Hunger by creating an inclusive, caring, and sustainable campus environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.