24 December 2024
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Medan, Indonesia — Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) has implemented a comprehensive and structured program to directly address student food insecurity and hunger, demonstrating a strong commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 – Zero Hunger. The university's strategy combines direct food aid, community welfare programs, and financial assistance to ensure continuous access to nutritious food for all students.
Structured & Sustainable Direct Food Assistance
USU has established several high-impact, recurring programs focused on providing direct meal support:
"Jumat Berkah" (Blessed Friday) Program: A cornerstone of the university’s weekly routine, this initiative is held every Friday and distributes more than 2,000 nutritious food packages at the campus mosque and common areas. This continuous program aims to reduce short-term food insecurity while promoting a culture of solidarity and sharing among the student body.
Ramadan Meals: During the fasting month of Ramadan, the Mosque Welfare Board, in collaboration with the Directorate of Student Affairs, ensures that students have reliable access to healthy meals by serving over 1,000 portions of iftar (breaking the fast) and sahur (pre-dawn meal) daily.
Annual Affordable Food and Needs Bazaar: Held during the university's Dies Natalis (anniversary), this Food Bazaar provides direct food assistance and allows students in need to access affordable basic necessities and discounted basic goods.
These initiatives are coordinated by units like the Green Campus, Student Welfare, and Religious Affairs, emphasizing a sustainable and empathetic approach to student support.
Financial Aid and Welfare Mechanisms
Complementing the direct food distribution, USU maintains robust financial aid programs designed to cover basic living expenses, including food:
Kartu Indonesia Pintar (KIP) Kuliah Merdeka Scholarship Program: in 2024, the Kartu Indonesia Pintar (KIP) Kuliah Merdeka Scholarship Program provided monthly living allowances to 6,636 students, equivalent to 16% of the student population. Each allowance ranged from IDR 700,000 to IDR 1,400,000 and was intended to cover basic needs such as food.
source: instagram.com/ditmawaalumni.usu
Bantuan Belajar Mahasiswa (BBM): The internal program provided food and general welfare support for 900 students in the same year.
All financial aid and welfare initiatives are jointly managed by the Directorate of Student Affairs (Ditmawa) and the Directorate of Student Achievement and Alumni (Ditmawalumni), ensuring centralized oversight of student well-being and emergency aid.
Affordable Access and Campus Policy
To address food accessibility on a day-to-day basis, USU enforces a Healthy and Affordable Canteen Policy. This policy mandates that all on-campus food vendors provide nutritious meals at regulated, affordable prices, safeguarding affordability particularly for low-income students and promoting balanced nutrition across the campus community.
USU also consistently provides free or subsidized food during major campus events, such as the USU Awarding Ceremonies and Independence Day celebrations, ensuring all students participating in university-wide activities have reliable access to meals, regardless of financial constraints.
By integrating compassion, sustainability, and inclusivity, Universitas Sumatera Utara demonstrates that addressing student hunger is a fundamental institutional responsibility. These coordinated actions promote equal food access, strengthen solidarity, and advance the university's vision of a hunger-free environment.
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