Student Food Security Support Program
Food insecurity is a growing challenge among university students worldwide, including in Palestine, where economic instability and rising living costs place a heavy burden on young people pursuing higher education. Students facing food insecurity struggle with concentration, physical health, mental well-being, and academic performance. Recognizing this, An-Najah National University (ANNU) seeks to establish a Student Food Security Support Program to ensure that no student has to choose between pursuing education and accessing adequate nutrition.
Vision
To create a hunger-free campus where every student has access to adequate, nutritious, and affordable food, ensuring equal opportunities for academic success and personal growth.
Mission
To support food-insecure students at An-Najah National University by providing sustainable, accessible, and dignified food assistance programs through partnerships, awareness campaigns, and institutional policies.
Objectives
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Identify students experiencing food insecurity through structured assessments and surveys.
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Provide immediate and sustainable food assistance to ensure no student goes hungry.
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Raise awareness about food insecurity and available support services among students and staff.
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Integrate food security into the university’s social responsibility agenda, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2: Zero Hunger & 4: Quality Education).
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Strengthen partnerships with local and international organizations to enhance food aid programs.
a. Identification Programs
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Annual Student Food Security Survey conducted confidentially by the Deanship of Student Affairs.
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Referral Mechanism: Academic advisors, faculty, and peers can discreetly refer students showing signs of food insecurity.
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Anonymous Self-Reporting Platform (online form linked to the student portal).
b. Structured Support for Students
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Meal Voucher Program: Pre-paid vouchers redeemable at on-campus cafeterias.
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Subsidized Meal Plans: Partnership with the cafeteria to provide low-cost, balanced meals.
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Emergency Food Assistance Fund: Quick-response system for students facing sudden hardship (cash or food parcels).
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Campus Food Pantry: A dedicated location on campus where students can collect staple foods (rice, lentils, canned goods) with dignity.
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Community Kitchen & Shared Meals: Student clubs and volunteers prepare weekly free meals, supported by donations.
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Agricultural Student Contribution: Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine contributes surplus produce to support the pantry and student meals.
c. Awareness and Education
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Awareness campaigns each semester to ensure students know how to access services.
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Nutrition education workshops (healthy eating on a budget).
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Annual “Zero Hunger Week” at ANNU linking food security to global SDGs.
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Student Food Security Policy: Outlines eligibility, rights, and responsibilities for accessing support.
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Confidentiality and Dignity Policy: Ensures that no student is stigmatized when seeking help.
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Operational Guidelines: For program implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
Partnership Agreements: With NGOs, food suppliers, and donors to sustain the program.
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Primary Beneficiaries: Undergraduate and graduate students facing financial hardship and food insecurity.
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Campus-Wide Coverage: Services accessible at both the New and Old Campus.
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Partnerships: Involving student clubs, alumni networks, and local community donors.
Integration: Linked to broader university initiatives in social responsibility, poverty reduction, and sustainability.
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Awareness: Orientation sessions for freshmen, posters on campus, and information in the student handbook.
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Application Process: Online confidential application via the student portal, available year-round.
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Eligibility Criteria: Based on financial need, verified discreetly by the Deanship of Student Affairs.
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Accessibility: Emergency support requires minimal paperwork to ensure speed.
- Feedback Mechanism: Students can anonymously share challenges in accessing services, ensuring continuous improvement.
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Lead agency; coordinates program implementation, surveys, and student access.
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Ensures confidentiality and fairness in student eligibility assessments.
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Mobilizes resources (food parcels, donations).
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Connects with NGOs (e.g., Action Against Hunger, UN agencies).
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Coordinates volunteer involvement and outreach.
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Agricultural Engineering
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Contributes agricultural produce to the campus pantry.
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Provides expertise in nutrition, food production, and food safety.
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Engages students in service-learning projects around food insecurity.
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Provides research and data for program design and evaluation.
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Develops innovative, sustainable approaches (urban farming, hydroponics).
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Strengthens the academic link between research and student welfare.
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