Interventions to Prevent Hunger Among Students
Food security is not only a basic human right but also a cornerstone of academic success, social well-being, and sustainable development. An-Najah National University (ANNU) recognizes that hunger and malnutrition can create significant barriers to student achievement, affecting concentration, health, and participation in academic life.
As one of the leading higher education institutions in Palestine and the region, ANNU views student
food security as a moral, social, and institutional responsibility. The University has therefore developed a range of targeted programs, policies, and research-driven interventions to ensure that every student has access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food.
Objective
of ANNU’s food security initiatives is to:
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Prevent and alleviate hunger among students through structured programs and targeted interventions.
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Promote equitable access to nutritious food, ensuring that financial or social hardship does not hinder academic success.
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Integrate education, research, and community engagement to provide sustainable and long-term solutions to food insecurity.
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Foster social justice and solidarity by extending support to the most vulnerable groups within and beyond the university community.
The interventions are university-wide and cover all ANNU campuses, with special attention to:
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Students from low-income and marginalized families.
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Refugee and displaced students with limited access to resources.
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International students who may lack local family or community support networks.
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Students affected by emergencies, crises, or socio-economic instability in Palestine.
These initiatives are designed to provide direct assistance, promote awareness, and support long-term resilience in campus food systems.
1. Poverty and Hunger Reduction Program
Managed by the Community Service Center, this flagship program directly addresses student hunger by providing:
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Monthly Food Baskets: Essential groceries including grains, proteins, and vegetables distributed to financially vulnerable students.
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Subsidized and Free Meals: University cafeterias offer daily meals at reduced cost or no cost for students in hardship.
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Emergency Food Support: During crises such as political unrest, closures, or pandemics, the program mobilizes resources to ensure continuous food supply to students in need.
2. Campus Meals and Subsidy Schemes
Through the Deanship of Student Affairs, ANNU ensures:
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Affordable, nutritionally balanced meals in student dining facilities.
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Meal subsidies and vouchers for students identified as facing financial hardship.
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Special arrangements for students during examination periods to support concentration and academic performance.
3. Agricultural Contributions
The Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine plays a strategic role in supporting student food security by:
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Producing fresh plant and animal products (fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, and meat) that supply university cafeterias and food programs.
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Engaging students in practical agricultural training that contributes to local food production while enhancing academic learning.
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Supporting food donation initiatives with surplus agricultural produce distributed to students and vulnerable community members.
4. Research and Awareness Initiatives
The Department of Nutrition and Food Technology and the Agriculture and Food Research Unit lead research-driven interventions:
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Research on Food Insecurity: Studies on student nutrition, dietary habits, and hunger trends, used to design policies and awareness campaigns.
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Evidence-Based Solutions: Development of guidelines for sustainable diets, portion control, and waste reduction.
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Awareness Campaigns: Workshops, posters, and campaigns promoting healthy eating, mindful consumption, and reducing food waste.
5. Community Engagement and Partnerships
ANNU extends its impact beyond campus through:
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Partnerships with local NGOs, food banks, and charities to broaden food access initiatives.
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Student volunteering opportunities to support food distribution and awareness campaigns.
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Collaborative projects with international organizations on sustainable agriculture and food systems.
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Oversees student well-being programs.
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Manages cafeteria subsidies, meal vouchers, and student food access initiatives.
- Implements the Poverty and Hunger Reduction Program.
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Coordinates distribution of food baskets and mobilizes resources during emergencies.
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Agricultural Engineering
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Supplies fresh agricultural and animal-based products for campus consumption.
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Integrates student training with community-oriented food initiatives.
Department of Nutrition and Food Technology
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Conducts research on nutrition and food insecurity.
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Provides awareness campaigns and evidence-based recommendations for sustainable food practices.
Agriculture and Food Research Unit (Food Security Research Center)
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Designs applied research and innovative solutions to improve food systems.
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Contributes to long-term campus and community food security strategies.