Provision of Healthy and Affordable Food Choices for all on Campus
An-Najah National University views its campus food system as a key expression of its commitment to public health, social equity, and sustainable development. In alignment with this vision, the University has implemented a Sustainable Food Policy that ensures the provision of healthy, affordable, diverse, and environmentally responsible food options for all students, staff, and visitors.
Across all campuses, ANNU ensures that students and staff do not need to leave campus to access meals or beverages, as multiple cafeterias and food outlets operate in the New Campus, Old Campus, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, and Hisham Hijjawi College of Technology, offering a wide range of food at reasonable prices.
Every meal served on campus reflects the University’s principles of sustainability and inclusivity, offering balanced menus that respect cultural, religious, and dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, low-fat, and medically appropriate options. Menus emphasize fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, supporting healthy lifestyles and diverse nutritional needs.
On-Campus Production and Resources
An-Najah relies on its own agricultural and production resources, managed by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Agricultural Engineering, forming a closed-loop sustainable food system:
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Animal Production Farms: dairy, meat, honey, and eggs (aligned with animal welfare standards)
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Plant Farms: fresh vegetables, fruits, and olive oil
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Fish Farming Units: aquatic products
These products are supplied directly to campus food outlets and sold at affordable prices, reducing costs while ensuring freshness, quality, and sustainability. This system strengthens food security and minimizes environmental impact.
Food Choices, Accessibility, and Affordability
An-Najah National University is dedicated to ensuring that all members of its campus community have access to healthy, inclusive, and affordable food options. Food services across campuses offer diverse daily menus tailored to different dietary needs, including options for athletes and individuals with specific medical conditions.
Affordability is a core priority. A standard campus meal costs approximately 15 ILS, and campus food is approximately 25% cheaper than comparable off-campus options, confirming that students can access reasonably priced meals within the University.
To further ensure equity, ANNU provides meal subsidies, food vouchers, and targeted support through its Student Food Security Support Program, working toward a hunger-free campus where all students can access nutritious food regardless of financial status.
The University also ensures cultural inclusivity by offering halal-certified meals and alternatives that respect diverse religious and cultural dietary practices.
Quality Control, Governance, and Sustainable Procurement
The Deanship of Student Affairs, in coordination with the Student Union, oversees all cafeterias and campus stores, ensuring compliance with high standards of:
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Food quality and safety
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Hygiene and health regulations
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Fair and transparent pricing
Regular inspections and price reviews are conducted to maintain affordability and service quality.
All suppliers must comply with the University’s Sustainable Food Purchasing Policy, which promotes:
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Local sourcing and support for local farmers
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Ethical and transparent supply chains
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Reduced environmental impact
Health Promotion and Awareness
ANNU complements its food system with nutrition education and awareness initiatives, including workshops and campaigns on:
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Healthy eating habits
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Food safety
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Sustainable food practices
These initiatives are delivered in collaboration with academic units, particularly in health-related disciplines, fostering a campus culture that supports long-term wellbeing and informed dietary choices.
Integrated Sustainable Food System
Through the integration of on-campus food production, affordable pricing, inclusive meal options, policy-driven governance, and health education, An-Najah National University has developed a comprehensive food system that ensures:
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Continuous access to food on campus
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Healthy and nutritionally balanced meals
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Prices lower than external market alternatives
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Support for vulnerable students
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Alignment with sustainability and environmental goals
This integrated approach ensures that ANNU fully meets international best practices for healthy and affordable food provision on campus.