Suan Dusit University (SDU) is committed to improving students’ quality of life in a holistic manner under the concept of “University for Student Food Security and Well-being.” The university aims to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger by establishing systematic programmes and operational mechanisms that ensure all students have consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.
In 2024, the university implemented the “Full Stomach, Healthy Brains for Students – Phase 2” project, a continuation of its earlier initiative designed to address student food insecurity through sustainable food welfare schemes. This programme integrates collaboration among several university divisions, including the Office of Academic Resources and Information Technology, the Office of Special Affairs, Dusit Kitchen, Suan Dusit Poll, the Student Development Division, and the Education and Career Counseling Center. Together, these units work toward tangible, equitable, and long-term outcomes for students across all campuses.
The project was launched on 30 October 2024 at the Dusit Ekapol Canteen, Suan Dusit University, Suphan Buri Campus, led by Ms. Kanolin Suangkhawatin, Director of the Suphan Buri Campus Office, with the support of Ms. Pajaree Noonurat, Ms. Chananchida Yoodet, Ms. Chatchaporn Klangchom, and Ms. Supattra Chattratham.
The initiative provides additional meals to students—particularly those at economic risk—ensuring they receive adequate and nutritious food in accordance with their physical needs. Beyond food provision, the project also fosters a culture of generosity and compassion within the campus community by encouraging administrators, faculty members, and staff to sponsor meal costs for students.
This project represents a long-term programme in place, rather than a one-off initiative. It includes structured operational and management mechanisms such as:
– Food Insecurity Surveys to assess the prevalence and severity of food insecurity among students,
– Targeted screening of students in need,
– Interventions through meal provision and welfare support, and
– Follow-up evaluations to measure behavioral and nutritional improvements over time.
 |  |
Learn more about the project https://suphanburicampus.dusit.ac.th/new/2024/113543
Outcomes and Impacts
The implementation of the Full Stomach, Healthy Brains – Phase 2 programme has yielded positive outcomes on both individual and institutional levels:
1. Student Well-being and Academic Performance Targeted students received sufficient food, which reduced hunger and economic stress, leading to improved focus, mental health, and academic productivity.
2. Social and Organizational Culture The initiative cultivated a culture of mutual care and compassion within the university community. Staff and students regularly participated through donations, volunteer work, and programme support.
3. Systemic Management and Policy Development The university has generated empirical data from food insecurity surveys, serving as a foundation for long-term welfare planning—such as the introduction of low-cost meal programmes or a campus food bank system in the future.
Alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This project directly contributes to SDG 2: Zero Hunger, specifically aligning with the following indicators:
2.3.1 Student Food Insecurity and Hunger – Establishing a structured and ongoing programme to address student food insecurity.
2.3.2 Student Hunger Interventions – Implementing specific actions and measures to prevent or alleviate hunger among students.
Suan Dusit University’s efforts exemplify how a higher education institution can develop a sustainable food management system that enhances student welfare while ensuring transparency through public dissemination of outcomes and evidence on official university platforms.
The Full Stomach, Healthy Brains initiative represents SDU’s dedication to fostering student well-being through sustainable food security mechanisms. By integrating internal collaboration, welfare support, and behavioral assessment, the university not only mitigates food insecurity but also strengthens the sense of care and solidarity within its academic community.
Ultimately, Suan Dusit University stands as a model institution demonstrating that education and human well-being must advance hand in hand—ensuring that no student is left behind due to hunger, and that higher education remains a foundation for sustainable living and lifelong learning.
Suan Dusit University launched the Full Stomach, Healthy Brains for Students – Phase 2 programme in 2024 to reduce student food insecurity through sustainable meal support. The initiative, led by the Office of Academic Resources and Information Technology in collaboration with the Office of Special Affairs, Dusit Kitchen, and other units, provides nutritious meals for economically vulnerable students while encouraging staff and faculty participation in meal sponsorship. It established a continuous system for surveying food insecurity, targeting recipients, implementing interventions, and monitoring results. The programme has improved student well-being, promoted a culture of care, and generated data to support future low-cost meal and food-bank policies, directly advancing SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) indicators 2.3.1 and 2.3.2.