2.3 – Student hunger

2.3.1 – Student food insecurity and hunger

At Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), tackling student food insecurity and hunger has become a primary focus, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger. UKM recognizes the importance of ensuring that students have access to nutritious food, implementing initiatives to alleviate hunger and promoting sustainable food production. A remarkable initiative on food sustainability on campus is the Sustainable Garden consisting of 4 gardens such as @UKM consisting of The Botanical Garden of UKM, UKM-YSD Sustainable Garden, Taman Ilmu@Chancellery and Urban Urban Farming serve as models for local, environmentally friendly agriculture. By offering fresh, organic produce free of charge to the university community, these initiatives address immediate food needs while also advancing broader sustainability goals.

Sustainable Garden@UKM

a) The Botanical Garden of UKM

The Botanical Garden of UKM focuses on sustainable food production by growing a variety of local fruits and vegetables, such as corn, dragon fruit, pineapple, pak choy, and more. These crops are cultivated using sustainable agricultural practices that aim to minimize environmental impact, such as reducing chemical inputs, conserving water, and enhancing soil health.

One key aspect of this initiative is its accessibility because the product is distributed free of charge to all UKM citizens, especially students. This not only provides nutritious food to the community but also promotes the importance of sustainable living. By demonstrating how food can be grown locally and sustainably, UKM Botanical Garden serves as a living example of responsible agriculture and food systems, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals: Zero Hunger.

Additionally, this initiative plays a role in food security by offering fresh and locally grown produce to the community, reducing dependence on external food sources, and lowering the carbon footprint associated with transportation. The program also fosters an understanding of environmental stewardship and encourages more sustainable lifestyles among the UKM community.

b) UKM-YSD Sustainable Garden

UKM-YSD Sustainable Garden was established to strengthen sustainability efforts on campus. The garden features a diverse array of crops and vegetables such as choy sum, mustard green and ladyfinger, supplying the community with healthy, nutritious food. This garden utilizes the concept of urban farming and implementing sustainability elements such as the use of compost soil and organic fertilizers, without the use of pesticides in the plant growth process. This garden, located at Kolej Ungku Omar and Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, functions as a collaborative space where students and staff can work together to achieve sustainability goals in UKM. 

The garden encourages students to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle by reducing food waste, supporting local and organic food systems, and understanding the environmental impact of conventional agriculture. Like the Taman Botani initiative, the fresh, organic produce from the garden is available to students, offering them nutritious food options that enhance their well-being. By distributing this produce free of charge, the garden eases the financial burden on students while promoting healthy eating habits. Through hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, students gain valuable skills and knowledge that can shape their future food choices and professional pursuits, making them advocates for sustainability in their communities and beyond.

c) Taman Ilmu@Chancellery

Similar to the UKM-YSD Sustainable Garden, Taman Ilmu@Chancellery, located within UKM’s Chancellery Building, serves as a vibrant hub of sustainability, cultivating a variety of vegetables such as water cabbage, curry tree, and Brazilian spinach. This garden provides UKM citizens with easy access to fresh, organic produce, fostering healthier eating habits among students and staff by offering nutrient-dense, pesticide-free food directly from the garden. By fostering healthier eating habits, it significantly enhances the well-being of students and staff, contributing to a more vibrant, health-conscious campus community while promoting sustainability and self-reliance in food resources.

d) Urban Farming by MyAgrosis Club

MyAgrosis Club has spearheaded an innovative urban agriculture (agro-tech) project at Plot A, UKM Botanical Garden, aligning with the SDG 2 agenda. They are cultivating three crops: eggplants using advanced fertigation techniques, melons through sustainable hydroponics, and oyster mushrooms. This initiative not only strengthens food sustainability on campus but also supports students in need by distributing the fresh, nutritious produce entirely free of charge. Through this project, the club is driving a meaningful impact, promoting self-sufficiency and fostering a stronger, more resilient campus community.

UKM’s efforts to address student food insecurity and hunger are a vital component of its commitment to SDG 2: Zero Hunger. Through the implementation of self-sufficient food production, UKM is making significant strides in ensuring that all students have access to nutritious food. These initiatives not only address immediate needs but also contribute to the long-term sustainability and well-being of the campus community. As UKM continues to expand and refine its food security programs, it will further enhance its role as a leader in sustainable development and social responsibility.