USM Programmes on Student Food Insecurity
Universiti Sains Malaysia continues to have a programme in place on student food insecurity to ensure that every student has access to sufficient and nutritious meals throughout their academic journey. Guided by the values of compassion, inclusion, and shared responsibility, USM supports various student-led initiatives that directly address food insecurity and hunger on campus. These efforts not only meet students’ immediate needs but also nurture a caring and sustainable university community in alignment with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
1. “Moreh” Giveaways
On 30 March 2024, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia continued the university’s long-standing “Moreh” Giveaway Programme during the holy month of Ramadan to address student food insecurity and hunger. The initiative provided free evening meals (“moreh”) to students residing in hostels across the USM Main Campus, Penang, after nightly prayers.
Organised by the Student Representative Council (Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar, MPP), the programme operated on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the month of Ramadan. Beyond providing food assistance, it nurtured a strong sense of community spirit, empathy, and belonging, especially for students facing financial hardship.
The initiative reflects USM’s continued commitment to ensuring that no student goes hungry while fostering compassion and togetherness within the university. By offering free daily meals during the fasting month, the university demonstrated how small-scale community efforts can contribute to achieving Zero Hunger through local, people-centred action.
(Source: USM Student Representative Council Facebook Page – Moreh Giveaway, March 2024)
2. “Breakfast for Good”
The “Breakfast for Good” initiative, organised by the Medical Students’ Society of USM, was held on 7 March 2024 at the USM Health Campus. This programme aimed to provide free breakfast bread to medical students in hostels and lecture halls, ensuring that no student began the day on an empty stomach.
Guided by the slogan “In Charity, There’s No Excess,” the initiative was a collaborative effort between students and university staff, reflecting a spirit of volunteerism and care for fellow students. It played a vital role in addressing food insecurity among those facing financial challenges, while encouraging mindfulness about food waste and community sharing.
The initiative helped promote nutritional well-being, academic focus, and solidarity within the campus community. It also strengthened student-led action for sustainability and directly supported SDG 2 and SDG 3.
(Source: Medical Students’ Society Facebook Page – Breakfast for Good, March 2024)
Through programmes like “Moreh Giveaways” and “Breakfast for Good,” USM clearly demonstrates that it has a programme in place on student food insecurity, combining practical assistance with values of empathy and sustainability. These initiatives ensure equitable food access, strengthen community bonds, and foster a supportive campus environment where every student can thrive academically and personally — embodying USM’s vision of a university that leads with care and compassion for all.
