2.3 – Student hunger

2.3.1 – Student food insecurity and hunger

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has implemented a range of initiatives to combat food insecurity among its students, recognizing that access to nutritious food is essential for their well-being and academic success. Through a combination of sustainable food production, food banks, meal programs and partnerships with organizations such as the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), UKM provides substantial support to students facing hunger. These initiatives are designed to not only meet the immediate dietary needs of the student community but also to foster a culture of sustainability, inclusivity and self-sufficiency on campus. This comprehensive approach aligns with UKM’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2, which aims to end hunger and promote food security.

Table: Summary of the food insecurity initiatives

No	Initiatives
1	Sustainable Garden@UKM i. The Botanical Garden of UKM ii. UKM-YSD Sustainable Garden iii. Taman Ilmu@Chancellery iv. Edible Garden in City Campus: Connecting Youth Community, Healthy Food & Sustainability v. Urban Farming by MyAgrosis Club
2	Food Banks i. Gerobok Rezeki ii. Weekly Food Sponsorship by MAIWP
3	Rahmah Menu for Student
4	Food Voucher Distribution
5	Diverse and Nutritious Food Offerings

Detail of the programs can be found below:

1. Sustainable Garden@UKM

i. The Botanical Garden of UKM

The Botanical Garden of UKM focuses on sustainable food production by growing a variety of local fruits and vegetables, such as corn, dragon fruit, pineapple, pak choy and more. These crops are cultivated using sustainable agricultural practices that aim to minimize environmental impact, such as reducing chemical inputs, conserving water and enhancing soil health.

One key aspect of this initiative is its accessibility because the product is distributed free of charge to all UKM citizens, especially students. This not only provides nutritious food to the community but also promotes the importance of sustainable living. By demonstrating how food can be grown locally and sustainably, UKM Botanical Garden serves as a living example of responsible agriculture and food systems, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals: Zero Hunger.

Additionally, this initiative plays a role in food security by offering fresh and locally grown produce to the community, reducing dependence on external food sources, and lowering the carbon footprint associated with transportation. The program also fosters an understanding of environmental stewardship and encourages more sustainable lifestyles among the UKM community.

ii. UKM-YSD Sustainable Garden

UKM-YSD Sustainable Garden was established to strengthen sustainability efforts on campus. The garden features a diverse array of crops and vegetables such as choy sum, mustard green and ladyfinger, supplying the community with healthy, nutritious food. This garden utilizes the concept of urban farming and implementing sustainability elements such as the use of compost soil and organic fertilizers, without the use of pesticides in the plant growth process. This garden, located at Ungku Omar Residential College and Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, functions as a collaborative space where students can work together to achieve sustainability goals in UKM. 

The garden encourages students to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle by reducing food waste, supporting local and organic food systems and understanding the environmental impact of conventional agriculture. Like the Botanical garden initiative, the fresh, organic produce from the garden is available to students, offering them nutritious food options that enhance their well-being. By distributing this produce free of charge, the garden eases the financial burden on students while promoting healthy eating habits. Through hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, students gain valuable skills and knowledge that can shape their future food choices and professional pursuits, making them advocates for sustainability in their communities and beyond.

Besides, this garden was supported by grants from the Selangor State Government, as a learning hub for sustainable practices, featuring gardening spaces, hydroponic systems, composting bins and rainwater harvesting. It promotes food sustainability, environmental awareness and carbon footprint reduction while providing free fresh produce for the UKM community. The initiative also integrates educational programs, community engagement and collaborations to strengthen sustainability awareness and practices especially with UKM and Bangi community.

UKM actively supports the local community in developing financially and socially sustainable businesses through education and capacity-building initiatives. A key example is the empowerment of the Rahmah Housewives community, who were the primary beneficiaries of a Sustainable Agriculture Training Program held on 30 September 2024. The program organized with All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia on Sustainable Development Goals (APPGM-SDG) with a total grant of RM40,000, was conducted in conjunction with Minggu Apresiasi Watan UKM, coinciding with the university’s new student registration week.

Through hands-on modules on fertigation-based chili cultivation and organic farming, participants gained practical skills in sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship. The training also involved joint harvesting activities with UKM staff and students at the UKM-YSD Sustainable Garden, where 6.35 kg of organically grown produce was distributed to participants. This initiative strengthens community self-reliance, promotes sustainable income generation and encourages the growth of environmentally conscious micro-enterprises.

iii. Taman Ilmu@Chancellery

Similar to the UKM-YSD Sustainable Garden, Taman Ilmu@Chancellery, located within UKM’s Chancellery Building, serves as a vibrant hub of sustainability, cultivating a variety of vegetables such as water cabbage, curry tree and Brazilian spinach. This garden provides UKM citizens with easy access to fresh, organic produce, fostering healthier eating habits among students by offering nutrient-dense, pesticide-free food directly from the garden. By fostering healthier eating habits, it significantly enhances the well-being of students, contributing to a more vibrant, health-conscious campus community while promoting sustainability and self-reliance in food resources.

iv. Edible Garden in City Campus: Connecting Youth Community, Healthy Food & Sustainability

From January to December 2024, the Edible Garden in City Campus: Connecting Youth, Community, Healthy Food & Sustainability Programme was implemented at the UKM Kuala Lumpur Campus. This free initiative, organized with the collaboration of the Department of Agriculture Malaysia and supported by international funding from the YSEALI Enviro-Tech Grant (Kenan Foundation Asia, US Embassy Bangkok) and the YSEALI Professional Fellowship Program Alumni Accelerator Grant (American Council, U.S. Department of State), engaged 20 staff and 100 students in urban farming activities, talks, and awareness campaigns. The programme successfully cultivated more than 40 varieties of edible plants, producing 20 kg of vegetables within three months, while also absorbing an estimated 2.5 tons of carbon dioxide annually from its 100 m² garden. Beyond providing fresh produce to students and the community, the project strengthened international collaboration, promoted sustainable agriculture, and fostered healthy eating habits. By addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainable food systems, the initiative contributes directly to SDG 2: Zero Hunger, while also supporting environmental sustainability and community well-being.

v. Urban Farming by MyAgrosis Club

MyAgrosis Club has spearheaded an innovative urban agriculture (agro-tech) project at Plot A, UKM Botanical Garden, aligning with the SDG 2 agenda. They are cultivating three crops: eggplants using advanced fertigation techniques, melons through sustainable hydroponics, and oyster mushrooms. This initiative not only strengthens food sustainability on campus but also supports students in need by distributing the fresh, nutritious produce entirely free of charge. Through this project, the club is driving a meaningful impact, promoting self-sufficiency and fostering a stronger, more resilient campus community.

2. FOOD BANKS

UKM supplies food to UKM’s student in the form of food banks located in most of its faculties and departments, such as Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSK), Hospital Canselor Tuanku Mukhriz (HCTM), the Faculty of Islamic Studies (FPI), and the Faculty of Science & Technology (FST) align with food accessibility.

i. Gerobok Rezeki

Gerobok Rezeki, a key initiative at UKM, supports students experiencing food insecurity by providing essential items in accessible campus locations. Through this initiative, shelves stocked with basic food and hygiene products such as canned goods, noodles, rice, dairy, and personal care items are strategically placed around campus. Gerobok Rezeki has significantly lightened the university’s responsibility for student welfare by ensuring a steady supply of food essentials, fostering the well-being of students, and aligning with the sustainable development goals for national institutions.

ii. Weekly Food Sponsorship by MAIWP

The Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan, or MAIWP) makes a meaningful contribution to UKM’s hunger relief efforts by sponsoring food packs, with a special focus on Muslim students in the Faculty of Health Sciences (FSK). In 2024, MAIWP has consistently provided 150 nutritious food packs each Thursday, ensuring that a large number of students receive regular meals.

This initiative is a vital source of support for students facing food insecurity and showcases the strong community commitment to tackling hunger. By receiving these weekly food packs, students can concentrate more fully on their studies, alleviating concerns about meal availability. This program highlights the effective partnership between UKM and external organizations to enhance student welfare and academic achievement.

3. Rahmah Menu for Student

The Menu Siswa Rahmah, introduced by the Ministry of Higher Education, aims to reduce living costs for students, particularly those from the low income students (B40 group). In line with this initiative, UKM has implemented the menu at an affordable price of RM3.50, offering nutritious and quality meals. This initiative significantly impacts students by helping them save money, allowing them to allocate more funds for other essential daily needs. It fosters financial relief while maintaining a focus on students’ well-being.

4. Food Voucher Distribution

One of UKM key initiatives to support student welfare is the Food Voucher Distribution Programme, implemented through the Dompet Siswa mobile application. This program plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and nutritional well-being among students, particularly those from the B40 (low-income) group. Through this initiative, digital food vouchers can be easily redeemed at campus cafeterias, convenience stores and participating food vendors, providing a convenient, dignified and immediate solution for students experiencing food insecurity.

By integrating technology with social responsibility, the Dompet Siswa app reflects UKM’s commitment to inclusive access to essential needs, student empowerment and the university’s broader mission to reduce inequalities and promote sustainable well-being across the campus community.

5. Diverse and Nutritious Food Offerings

UKM has implemented comprehensive initiatives to ensure wide access to nutritious and affordable food options across its campus. The university’s cafeterias and dining facilities are designed to cater to diverse dietary preferences and nutritional needs, offering a balanced selection of meals that include vegetarian, low-fat and health-conscious options.

By providing varied and wholesome meal choices, UKM actively promotes healthy eating habits, inclusivity and overall well-being among students and staff. This initiative reflects the university’s strong commitment to fostering a sustainable, health-focused campus environment where nutritious food is accessible to all members of the community, reinforcing UKM’s dedication to student welfare and holistic sustainability.

UKM’s efforts to address student food insecurity and hunger are a vital component of its commitment to SDG 2: Zero Hunger. Through the implementation of self-sufficient food production, UKM is making significant strides in ensuring that all students have access to nutritious food. These initiatives not only address immediate needs but also contribute to the long-term sustainability and well-being of the campus community. As UKM continues to expand and refine its food security programs, it will further enhance its role as a leader in sustainable development and social responsibility.