USM has organized multiple programs on food insecurity and hunger, aimed at addressing student food insecurity and supporting efforts to combat hunger. Through these initiatives, USM demonstrates a strong commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger, focusing on continuous interventions rather than one-time efforts.

1. Spread The Love: Together We Share Equal Love

USM has taken significant steps to tackle student food insecurity and hunger through well-organized, ongoing programs. These initiatives go beyond temporary relief, offering sustainable support for students facing food scarcity. Programs like "Spread The Love: Together We Share Equal Love" are designed to ensure that students have consistent access to nutritious food, helping to reduce the daily stress associated with food insecurity.

Using innovative approaches, USM has implemented a QR code system, allowing students to receive meals easily and discreetly. From May 9 to June 5, 2023, this program alone facilitated 105 meal distributions, directly supporting 72 students in need. Additionally, USM has set up special pantries in Tekun Residential Hall, stocked with dry food and essential items, so students have convenient, ongoing access to resources.

These initiatives demonstrate USM’s commitment to addressing student hunger as part of its alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. By establishing continuous support systems, USM is not only providing immediate assistance but also building a supportive campus environment that prioritizes student well-being and long-term food security. For more details and pictures from the event, visit their Facebook Page

2. Gobok Rezeki: Kit ‘Ready to Eat’

In celebration of Maal Hijrah 1445 on 18 July 2023, USM launched the "Gobok Rezeki" program, providing ready-to-eat food kits to 99 students at Anjung Sahabat, USM’s Islamic Center. This initiative supports students from the Main Campus residence halls, specifically targeting two groups: Asnaf Fakir Miskin (underprivileged) and Asnaf Fisabilillah (students in need).

The food kits, valued at around RM100 each, were organized by the Indah Kembara Residential Hall Council (MPDIK) in collaboration with the Student Development and Alumni Affairs Division (BHEPA), the USM Islamic Center, Penang Zakat Center, and Tabung Haji. Each kit includes various snacks, biscuits, and bottled and boxed drinks to help alleviate food insecurity and ease student stress during the exam period.

Through the "Gobok Rezeki" program, USM continues its commitment to addressing student food insecurity, ensuring that students in need have access to essential food resources. This initiative aligns with USM’s dedication to creating a supportive campus environment and advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. For more details and pictures from the event, visit their Facebook Page.

3. Sharing Blessings in Ramadan

During the holy month of Ramadan, from March 22 to April 20, 2023, the Student Representative Council of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) launched the "Sharing Blessings in Ramadan" programme to address student food insecurity and hunger. As part of this initiative, students in all hostels on the USM Main Campus in Penang received 'moreh', a traditional light meal or refreshment served after evening prayers. This long-standing tradition brings people together to enjoy food and community after prayers. This month-long event fostered a sense of community and spiritual togetherness among students, reinforcing the values of sharing and compassion during Ramadan. 

The programme also aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), directly addressing food security among USM students. By providing meals every night, the council helped ensure no student went hungry during the holy month. The Student Representative Council emphasized the importance of continuing such efforts to combat food insecurity on campus, committing to making this a yearly programme. They also expressed interest in expanding similar initiatives throughout the year to support students in need, ensuring food remains accessible for all. 

This meaningful programme not only celebrated Ramadan but also fostered a culture of care and sustainability within the USM community, contributing to the global effort to fight hunger. For more details and pictures from the event, visit their Facebook page