Staff Hunger Interventions
Universiti Sains Malaysia continues to provide interventions to prevent or alleviate hunger among members of staff, ensuring that every employee has access to sufficient and nutritious food. Through university-wide collaboration and community support, these initiatives promote staff well-being, compassion, and inclusivity, aligning with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
1. Food Bank for All: Staff and Students
USM has established a Campus Food Bank to support both staff and students who are experiencing food insecurity. This initiative ensures that all members of the university community, especially those in need, have continuous access to essential food supplies.
Through the Sustainability Maps platform, USM highlights sustainable facilities on campus, including Food Bank stations, lactation rooms, free drinking water points, and food outlets. The interactive map allows staff and students to locate nearby Food Bank stations that provide non-perishable food items such as bread, biscuits, and dry goods.
The Food Bank is sustained through donations from staff, departments, and campus partners, demonstrating a strong sense of solidarity and collective responsibility. By prioritising staff welfare, this initiative helps reduce hunger, strengthen community care, and foster a more inclusive and supportive university environment.
2. Iftar Gotong-Royong at IPPT
On 20 March 2024 (9 Ramadan 1445H), the Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (IPPT) organised a Gotong-Royong Iftar preparation programme to support USM staff and students in need. The event was designed to assist essential campus workers such as gardeners, cleaners, and security personnel, acknowledging their significant contributions to daily university operations.
USM staff worked collectively in food preparation, cooking, packaging, and distribution. The Iftar meals, provided by Pusat Islam USM, were shared in the spirit of ukhuwah (brotherhood), embodying teamwork and compassion.
This initiative forms part of USM’s broader hunger intervention strategy to ensure that no staff member goes hungry, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. By offering nutritious, locally prepared meals and promoting the reduction of food waste, the programme reinforces solidarity and strengthens USM’s commitment to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
3. Kongsi K.A.S.I.H@PPKT Programme
On 14 November 2024, the Centre for Knowledge, Communication and Technology (PPKT), in collaboration with the USM Islamic Centre and the PPKT Club, successfully organised the Kongsi K.A.S.I.H@PPKT Programme. This initiative aimed to support the USM community, particularly staff and students in need, through the distribution of food, beverages, pre-loved clothing, books, and daily necessities.
All items were collected through generous contributions from USM staff, highlighting a strong culture of empathy and collective care. Throughout the event, staff worked together to sort, package, and distribute donations, reflecting the spirit of staff helping fellow staff.
The programme complemented existing food assistance efforts such as the Campus Food Bank, strengthening USM’s network of interventions to prevent or alleviate hunger among members of staff. With the theme “Sharing Blessings, Sharing Happiness,” this initiative fostered a sense of togetherness and compassion across the campus.
