INDICATOR 2.3.
INDICATOR 2.3.
2.3.1. Student Food Insecurity and Hunger
North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) has established academic and institutional programs that directly address the challenges of food insecurity and hunger among its students. Across its campuses, NEMSU offers specialized programs in agriculture, fisheries, and food technology that not only equip students with knowledge and skills in food production but also contribute to food availability and innovation within the university.
San Miguel Campus: Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Crop Science, and Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Technology.
Cantilan Campus: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology major in Food Technology, and Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education major in Food and Services Management.
Lianga Campus: Bachelor of Science in Fisheries.
Cagwait Campus: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology major in Culinary Technology.
Tagbina Campus: Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, and Bachelor of Agricultural Technology.
In addition to academic programs, Article 19, Section 7 of the NEMSU Student Handbook institutionalizes the provision of university food services. Each campus maintains a cafeteria/canteen that offers affordable, nutritious meals while upholding strict health and sanitation standards to ensure student well-being.
Furthermore, NEMSU has established a Food Innovation Center, which develops value-added food products and showcases them in regional conventions, highlighting the university’s role in promoting sustainable food solutions.
Through these combined efforts, NEMSU demonstrates a holistic approach to addressing food insecurity by ensuring student access to nutritious meals on campus while also building long-term solutions through education, research, and innovation in food production and management.
To address food insecurity and hunger on campus, North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU), through the Office of Student Welfare and Development (OSWD) in partnership with the Office of the University Supreme Government (USG), organized a food distribution initiative for students. The activity featured arroz caldo—a Filipino rice porridge made with glutinous rice, chicken, ginger, garlic, and garnished with toppings such as boiled eggs, toasted garlic, scallions, and calamansi. This warm, hearty, and affordable dish is traditionally served in outreach and feeding programs because of its nutritional value and ease of preparation in large quantities.
Documented photos highlight the OSWD Director and USG student officers personally distributing meals to students, demonstrating the university’s compassion and responsiveness to student needs. This initiative reflects NEMSU’s commitment to its 8-Point Strategic INNOVATE Agenda, specifically “N” – Nurturing and Transformative Education and “A” – Accessible Student Services. By proactively addressing student hunger, NEMSU fosters an inclusive and supportive learning environment where the basic needs of students are met, ensuring they can focus on academic success and personal growth.
2.3.3. Sustainable food choices on campus
North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) provides a diverse range of food services aimed at supporting the health and well-being of its students, faculty, staff, and guests. The university is committed to offering nutritious and affordable meals, including options tailored to various dietary needs such as vegan and vegetarian diets. Canteens are typically located at the heart of the campus for easy access.
The food services include a wide selection of snacks, breakfast, and lunch options. The menu is carefully curated to meet the nutritional requirements of the university community. For snacks, traditional Filipino favorites such as banana cue, camote cue, and other native delicacies are offered. In addition to these, heavier snack meals are available, often consisting of rice paired with vegetables, fish, and meat.
A key feature of NEMSU’s food services is the emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. The university proudly supports local farmers and producers by purchasing fresh produce and ingredients from nearby communities.
Cleanliness and hygiene are given top priority in all food service operations. The canteens are regularly sanitized, and staff follow strict food safety standards to provide a safe dining environment for everyone.
2.3.4. Healthy and Affordable Food Choices
North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) demonstrates its commitment to the health, nutrition, and overall well-being of its academic community through the provision of healthy and affordable food choices across all its campuses. Recognizing that access to nutritious food is a cornerstone of student success and community welfare, the University integrates sustainable and health-conscious practices into its campus food services.
NEMSU operates a network of university-managed canteens and accredited food vendors that provide a diverse range of meal options designed to meet various dietary needs and preferences. These establishments are mandated to comply with local health and sanitation regulations, ensuring that every food outlet operates only after securing the necessary sanitary permits from their respective city or municipal health offices. This guarantees that all food served within NEMSU premises is safe, hygienic, and compliant with public health standards.
The University’s canteens are also guided by principles of nutrition, affordability, and accessibility. Meals are priced reasonably to cater to students from all socioeconomic backgrounds, allowing everyone equitable access to proper nourishment. In addition, menu offerings include vegetable-based, protein-rich, and locally inspired dishes, designed to promote balanced diets while reflecting regional food traditions.
The University’s canteens are also guided by principles of nutrition, affordability, and accessibility. Meals are priced reasonably to cater to students from all socioeconomic backgrounds, allowing everyone equitable access to proper nourishment. In addition, menu offerings include vegetable-based, protein-rich, and locally inspired dishes, designed to promote balanced diets while reflecting regional food traditions.
To strengthen its commitment to sustainability, NEMSU prioritizes local sourcing of ingredients from nearby farmers and cooperatives. This not only ensures that the food served is fresh and of high quality, but also supports the local agricultural economy, reducing the university’s carbon footprint from food transport. Such practices align with NEMSU’s broader goals of fostering sustainable food systems and promoting community-based partnerships for development.
2.3.5. Staff Hunger Interventions
North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) recognizes the essential role of its employees in achieving institutional goals and ensures their well-being through programs that support food security. As part of its annual welfare initiatives, the university provides food packs and grocery packages to all employees at the end of each year. This initiative serves both as a gesture of appreciation for their hard work and dedication, and as a means to alleviate hunger and supplement household food resources.
By consistently implementing this program, NEMSU fosters a workplace culture rooted in compassion, accountability, and service, values embodied in its core principles—CARES. This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to promoting the overall welfare of its personnel while aligning with SDG 2: Zero Hunger, ensuring that every member of the university community is supported and cared for.