In a world moving steadily toward sustainable development, the phrase “No Poverty” is not only about increasing income or distributing financial aid. It is about creating equal access to basic needs such as food, water, health, and education. Because if even a single meal is out of reach, the chance to learn and live fully is blocked right from the start.
Inequality Hidden Within University Walls
When we talk about poverty, many may picture distant communities. Yet the truth is, inequality exists within university campuses as well. Some students live on very limited budgets, where daily expenses of just a few dozen baht can become a heavy burden. The lack of adequate food does not only leave stomachs empty but also affects concentration and the ability to learn.
Dusit’s Answer: Full Stomach, Active Brain
Suan Dusit University recognized this challenge and created the “Full Stomach, Active Brain” project to support students facing financial hardship, seeing it as an investment in the future of youth.
Every Wednesday, the university kitchen offers affordable meals along with additional food such as 100 portions of braised eggs or fried chicken. For those under severe financial constraints, rice is available for just 10 baht, served with free side dishes.
This is not just about one meal. It is about building inclusion and equity through the collaboration of lecturers, staff, and students who take turns as “meal sponsors.” Compassion is transformed into tangible action.
Results That Go Beyond “Feeling Full”
Throughout the project, more than 100 students per session have directly benefited, amounting to over 3,500 meals in a single year. This effort has helped ease food insecurity and reduce economic inequality on campus.
But the deeper achievement lies in the qualitative impact. Students learn the value of sharing, staff and lecturers experience the strength of community support, and the university proves that caring for vulnerable groups is not just a responsibility—it is at the heart of true education.
From Campus to Global Goals
The “Full Stomach, Active Brain” project affirms that tackling poverty can begin with small actions, such as providing food security and easing financial burdens for students. When young people gain equal access to education, they become powerful drivers in building a sustainable society.
This is a small story with great meaning. It not only transforms the lives of individual students but also highlights the role of universities as vital engines in achieving SDG 1: No Poverty—a model that other institutions can follow.
