USM Sustainability Council has endorsed the Tobacco Free Policy in 2022. Updates to this policy include vaping, the prohibition of sponsoring gifts related to it, and others.

USM has initiated efforts to ensure a sufficient food supply for students and staff. Refer to the map of food bank on campus

The location of the campus food bank: M03 Desasiswa Saujana, M05 Desasiswa Tekun, M06 Desasiswa Tekun, G06 School of Physic, F02 Islamic Centre, Red House, Centre For Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV), and Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM). 

The campus food bank at our university is dedicated to supporting students and staff facing food insecurity. With several locations across campus, it serves as a welcoming resource for those in need. 

The food bank primarily sources its supplies from generous donations made by university staff, fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration. It offers a variety of non-perishable food items, bread, biscuits etc. to help alleviate the stress of food insecurity. 

In addition to providing essential resources, the food bank actively promotes awareness and destigmatizes the need for assistance through food drives and community events. By fostering a culture of support and inclusivity, it contributes to the overall well-being and success of our university community.  

Students Hunger Interventions

USM has established several food banks across its campuses to prevent and alleviate hunger among students. Recognizing the challenges of food insecurity that many students face, this initiative aims to ensure that all students have access to essential food items and resources, enabling them to focus on their studies without the worry of basic food needs.

1. Food Supply and Access to MRFoodBank@HEPA

In response to the rising food prices and the growing concerns about food security and hunger among students, a collaborative initiative has been launched at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The Student & Alumni Development Affairs Division, along with the Islamic Center and the Student Representative Council, has introduced a free food bank called MRFoodBank@HEPA, a free food bank available to all students in need. 

Launched on February 8, 2023, this initiative aims to support students who may be struggling with hunger. The food bank is conveniently located on campus, providing students with easy access to food whenever they need it. Two dedicated university staff members are responsible for ensuring that the food bank is always stocked with fresh supplies, ensuring that help is always available. 

To expand the reach of this initiative, USM encourages all schools and research centers to collaborate in making the food bank more accessible for both students and staff. By strengthening this effort, we can create a caring campus environment where no one has to worry about hunger, and everyone can focus on their studies and work. 

This effort is part of USM’s broader commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. For more details about MRFoodBank@HEPA, visit our Facebook page.

2. Foodbank Alumni USM 2.0

To address student hunger, USM has implemented targeted interventions aimed at preventing and alleviating food insecurity among its students. Prof. Dr. Azlinda Azman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Development and Alumni (HEPA), recently visited students at Damai Cafeteria as part of the USM Alumni Foodbank 2.0 program.

The Foodbank 2.0 initiative, which will be active throughout the exam week at selected cafeterias, is designed to assist students in need or those with limited financial resources. It responds to a common challenge: during exam and study periods, many students face financial constraints that require them to budget carefully, often at the expense of adequate nutrition.

This program aims to ensure that all students have access to essential food resources, helping them concentrate on their studies and perform at their best during this critical time in the semester. For more details and pictures from the event, visit their Facebook Page. 

3. The FoodBank @ SCS

To address student hunger, an occasional intervention in the form of free breakfast packages has been introduced for students. These breakfast packs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, providing quick and nutritious options to support students in need and help them start their day with a meal. For more details and pictures from the event, visit their Facebook Page.

Staff Hunger Interventions

USM has extended its commitment to preventing and alleviating hunger by providing targeted interventions not only for students but also for its staff members. Recognizing that food insecurity can affect anyone within the university community, USM has initiated several programs to ensure that all staff have access to basic food resources when needed.

These interventions include the distribution of basic food needs, food bank initiatives on campus, and occasional events where meals are provided free of charge or at a reduced cost for staff members facing financial difficulties. These initiatives are often supported by collaborations with local organizations, alumni donations, and contributions from faculty members, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.

1. Friday Free Meal for All

To address hunger among staff and members of the surrounding community, USM has implemented a weekly intervention through Masjid Al Malik Khalid on campus. Every Friday, the mosque provides meals and beverages to USM staff, students, and local residents, fostering a supportive atmosphere that extends beyond the university.

This initiative not only serves as a practical solution to alleviate food insecurity but also strengthens the sense of community and belonging. By holding this event on Fridays, a day of gathering and reflection in many cultures, USM encourages community members to come together, share a meal, and engage with each other. This weekly provision is a simple yet impactful way for the university to offer consistent support to those who may need it and create an inclusive environment where everyone feels cared for. For more details and pictures from the event, visit their Facebook Page.

2. Donation of Maitulrahman Kits to Staff

As part of its efforts to support staff members facing food insecurity, USM has introduced the donation of "Maitulrahman Kits" to help alleviate hunger among its employees. These kits are thoughtfully prepared packages containing essential food items and basic necessities, aimed at providing practical relief to staff members in need. The kits typically include staple foods like rice, canned goods, dried noodles, and other non-perishable items, as well as basic toiletries, which can help ease financial pressures and provide some immediate assistance.

The distribution of Maitulrahman Kits is organized through collaboration with USM’s welfare and community outreach departments, often with contributions from university alumni, local businesses, and faculty-led donations. By providing these kits, USM demonstrates its commitment to creating a supportive workplace where staff members feel valued and cared for, especially during challenging times.

This initiative serves as an ongoing, reliable source of support, helping to address immediate needs while fostering a sense of unity and empathy within the university community. It is one of several hunger alleviation efforts at USM, reinforcing a culture of compassion and solidarity across all levels of the university. For more details and pictures from the event, visit their Facebook Page.

3. Food Supply through the Iftar Programme

The Iftar programme at the USM Islamic Center has been a cherished tradition for over a decade, serving not only university staff and students but also the local community in Penang. This month-long event, held during the holy month of Ramadan, embodies the true spirit of togetherness and sharing blessings. It also reflects USM’s commitment to addressing issues related to Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger, ensuring that staff, students, and the wider community do not face food insecurity during this important time.  

Every day during Ramadan, 2,000 meals are carefully prepared, supplied, and distributed to anyone who joins for Iftar including staff, providing much-needed nourishment and fostering an inclusive and welcoming event for all. USM staff, who are also beneficiaries of this hunger intervention, actively volunteer alongside students to distribute food, contributing to the success of this programme. This collaborative effort ensures that everyone, especially those in need, can partake in the spirit of Ramadan with dignity and without worry.  

Many participants have expressed their gratitude to the USM Islamic Center and the university for organizing this meaningful event, which is seen not only as a way to bring people together but also as a vital intervention in combating food insecurity among staff and the community.

The official Facebook page of the USM Student Representative Council provides more stories and wonderful pictures from the 2023 event, showcasing the beauty of this tradition. This tradition will continue for many years to come, ensuring that USM can keep supporting those in need and fostering a caring and compassionate community. 

4. Menu RAHMAH

USM has introduced the Menu RAHMAH as a crucial hunger intervention aimed at supporting staff members facing financial challenges. This initiative provides meals at a significantly reduced cost in designated cafeterias across campus, making nutritious food more accessible and affordable for both staff and students.

The Menu RAHMAH focuses on offering a variety of balanced, wholesome meals that cater to different dietary needs and preferences, ensuring that all community members can enjoy substantial meals without financial strain. By providing this low-cost meal option, USM effectively alleviates the burden of food expenses on staff members, especially during times of financial difficulty, such as at the end of the month or during personal emergencies.

This hunger intervention is bolstered by partnerships with local food vendors and subsidies from the university, ensuring that the program can sustain its impact on the community. Not only does the Menu RAHMAH initiative provide immediate hunger relief, but it also fosters a supportive environment where everyone—regardless of financial situation—can access essential nourishment. Through hunger interventions like Menu RAHMAH, USM underscores its commitment to holistic support for staff and students, reinforcing a campus culture of care, inclusivity, and community resilience. For more details and pictures from the event, visit their Facebook Page.