FOOD INSECURITY AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS - SDG 2

    SDG 2 state that,"By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round."

    Concerns about food insecurity among university students are spreading around the globe. Students struggle to find affordable, wholesome meals because of high tuition costs, a lack of resources, and escalating living costs. The problem is made worse by juggling academic obligations with part-time work and other activities. Food insecurity has a severe impact on students' physical and mental health, which impairs their ability to concentrate, their academic performance, and their ability to handle stress. In order to promote student wellbeing and to maintain a fair and inclusive learning environment, it is critical to address food insecurity.

    To overcome this issue, I believe that food banks play a vital role in addressing food insecurity within the university community. By establishing a food bank on campus, universities create a centralized resource that provides food support to students in need. For example in International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), there will be a food bank around the university. These food banks typically rely on donations from various sources, such as local businesses, student organizations, faculty, and staff. The donated food items are then distributed to students facing food insecurity. Not only that, IIUM also provide free foods for B40 students and students in need which called School Kitchen Project (SKP) from Monday to Thursday.

     What can I see from this establishment of a food bank and SKP within the university? It actually offers several benefits. One of it is, it promotes access to nutritious food, ensuring that students have regular meals to sustain their energy levels and support their academic endeavors. Second , the stigma attached to asking food aid is diminished by the sense of community and support that food banks foster among students. They encourage students to help one another by fostering a culture of empathy and solidarity throughout the campus.

    I believe that food banks in universities have a positive impact on student well-being and academic success.Students' physical health is improved, their energy levels are increased, and their concentration and memory are improved when they have access to wholesome meals. Nutritionally sound eating habits improve pupils' resilience and coping skills while lowering stress and anxiety levels.

Additionally, food banks can serve as a platform for other support services like nutritional counselling and connections to financial aid or counselling programmes. These additional resources aid in addressing the root causes of food insecurity and provide children all the assistance they need to overcome obstacles.

Universities promote an atmosphere where students may concentrate on their academics and reach their full potential by reducing food insecurity. Students may devote more time and effort to their academic goals, extracurricular activities, and campus life when they are not concerned about where their next meal will come from. As a result, retention rates are greater, graduation rates are better, and student satisfaction is higher.

I can conclude that ,the establishment of food banks in colleges and universities is a crucial step towards enhancing food security and assisting with the wellbeing of students. Food banks assist in addressing the problems associated with food poverty among students by facilitating access to wholesome meals and building a feeling of community. Beyond providing immediate hunger relief, food banks have a significant effect on students' academic performance, happiness with their education, and retention rates. However, to ensure the success and longevity of their food bank projects, colleges must address issues with finance, stigma, and relationship development. Universities can build inclusive learning environments that enable students to succeed academically and personally by prioritising student well-being and putting in place extensive support mechanisms.