Provision of Healthy and Affordable Food Choices for All on Campus

1. Importance of Healthy and Affordable Food on Campus

Access to nutritious, affordable food is essential for:

• Student health and academic success: Proper nutrition boosts cognitive function, focus, and energy levels.
• Equity and inclusion: Ensures students from all socioeconomic backgrounds can eat well.
• Sustainability: Supports long-term health and environmental goals.
• Mental well-being: Reduces food insecurity, anxiety, and stress related to cost and diet quality.

2. Strategic Goals

To meet this objective, BAAU aims to:

• Ensure accessibility, affordability, and variety in food offerings.
• Support local agriculture and sustainable food systems.
• Encourage healthy eating habits through education and campus-wide policies.

3. Best Practices and Implementation Strategies

a) Campus Dining Reform

• Partner with local farms or cooperatives to source fresh produce at lower costs.
• Provide subsidized meal plans for students with financial need.
• Introduce plant-based and vegetarian options, which are both sustainable and often cheaper to prepare.
• Ensure nutritional labeling on all menu items to promote informed choices.

b) Infrastructure & Policy

• Integrate sustainability goals (e.g., SDGs 2, 3, 12) into procurement and operations.
• Invest in healthy vending machines and grab-and-go options in academic buildings.

4. Educational and Behavioral Support

• Offer nutrition workshops, cooking classes, and online resources.
• Promote "healthy food campaigns" using social media and student ambassadors.

5. Aligning with the SDGs

This initiative supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) – by addressing student food insecurity.
• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) – by promoting nutritious diets.
• SDG 4 (Quality Education) – through improved student performance and well-being.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) – by sourcing sustainably and reducing food waste.

6. Measuring Impact

·         To assess and improve these efforts, BAAU Regularly conduct surveys on food satisfaction, affordability, and health outcomes.