SDG 2: ZERO HUNGER

SDG 2: ZERO HUNGER

SDG2 – Zero Hunger aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. Al Maarefa University, a private institution in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has undertaken a multifaceted approach since 2020 to contribute to this goal. This report summarizes the university’s key initiatives and evidence in four areas: (1) on-campus food accessibility and nutrition, (2) academic programs and research in food and agriculture, (3) community outreach and volunteer efforts in hunger relief, and (4) partnerships with government and NGOs for food security. All examples are drawn from 2020 onward, aligning with Times Higher Education Impact Rankings requirements.

On-Campus Food Accessibility and Nutrition

Affordable and Healthy Dining

Al Maarefa University ensures students and staff have access to nutritious, affordable meals on campus. Multiple dining venues operate at the university, offering a range of meal plans that cater to diverse dietary needs [1]. These meal plans are designed to be cost-effective, with reasonable semester fees, so that healthy food is financially accessible to all students [1]. In line with promoting well-being, campus dining services emphasize balanced, wholesome menus that support student health and academic performance [1].

Subsidized Meal Programs

To further combat food insecurity among its community, the university sometimes provides free or subsidized meals to students in need. For example, during high-stress periods like exams or special events, Al Maarefa has organized low-cost or complimentary meal programs to ensure no student goes hungry [2]. These targeted initiatives act as a safety net for economically disadvantaged students, reflecting the university’s commitment to food security on campus. (Notably, Al Maarefa’s broader student support policy highlights that continuous meal plans for low-income students are an area of ongoing improvement [2].)

Healthy Lifestyle Campaigns

In addition to food provision, on-campus wellness programs reinforce good nutrition habits. A recent “Weight Loss Challenge” engaged students and staff in improving their diet and fitness, under the slogan “A sound body is in healthy food.” This campaign featured interactive lectures on healthy eating and awarded prizes to encourage sustained weight management, highlighting the link between proper nutrition and overall well-being. Such initiatives complement the dining services by raising awareness of healthy food choices and fighting malnutrition (as well as obesity) within the university community.

Academic Programs and Research on Nutrition & Agriculture

Curriculum and Courses

Al Maarefa University leverages education as a tool to address hunger and nutrition challenges. The university offers academic programs related to agriculture and environmental sciences that equip students with knowledge of sustainable food production, nutrition, and food safety [3]. For instance, coursework in these programs covers efficient water use in farming, soil health, and modern agricultural techniques suited to Saudi Arabia’s arid climate. By training future professionals in sustainable agriculture and food science, Al Maarefa contributes to a more food-secure future [3].

Research in Food Security

Research and innovation are central to Al Maarefa’s SDG2 efforts. The university conducts studies on food security, nutrition, and agricultural resilience to tackle regional challenges [3]. In recent years, student and faculty researchers have focused on issues like childhood malnutrition and diet-related health. For example, a cross-sectional study (2021–2022) by Al Maarefa medical students examined factors affecting children’s nutritional status in Riyadh, aiming to shed light on causes of malnutrition [4]. Another research project evaluated obesity prevalence among Saudi youth and its link to dietary habits, providing data to inform nutrition interventions. Through such studies, Al Maarefa is generating knowledge that can improve nutrition outcomes and inform policy in Saudi Arabia [3].

Innovative Agricultural Practices

In parallel, the university explores sustainable farming techniques suitable for the local environment. Faculty and student initiatives have investigated methods like hydroponics, vertical farming, and controlled-environment agriculture to boost food production despite limited arable land [3]. By promoting water-efficient and low-waste farming innovations, Al Maarefa’s academic community addresses food supply issues in an environmentally sustainable way. These research endeavors not only enrich the academic curriculum but also position the university as a contributor to solving real-world hunger problems.

Community Outreach and Hunger Relief Programs

Al Maarefa University student volunteers (Wateen Club) preparing and distributing iftar meal boxes to fasting individuals in the community during Ramadan, as part of a zero-hunger outreach initiative [1].

Volunteer Iftar Meal Distribution

Al Maarefa University actively engages students and staff in community service projects to fight hunger. A flagship effort is the annual Ramadan Iftar distribution campaign. During the holy month, the university’s volunteer clubs (such as the “Wateen Al Maarefa” student club) prepare and hand out hundreds of free iftar meals to fasting individuals in the surrounding community. In Ramadan 2023, for instance, student volunteers packaged and delivered over 550 iftar meals to people in need in the Diriyah area [1]. This outreach, repeated in 2024, sees volunteers set up roadside distribution points to ensure drivers and laborers can break their fast with a meal at sunset [5]. Such initiatives instill social responsibility in students while directly feeding vulnerable populations, aligning with the Zero Hunger goal.

Supporting Vulnerable Groups

The university’s community service unit also organizes food-related outreach for specific groups. In one initiative, Al Maarefa partnered with the Autism Families Association and the Insan Orphans Care Society to host a charitable iftar event for children with autism and orphans. Dozens of children and their families were welcomed on campus for a free Ramadan fast-breaking meal, accompanied by fun activities provided by student volunteers [1]. This event (originally launched in 2019 and sustained in later years) exemplifies how Al Maarefa extends its resources to support food security for marginalized groups, combining nourishment with community inclusion. Participants and partner NGOs expressed appreciation for the university’s generosity and its students’ spirit of service [1].

Nutrition and Health Awareness

Beyond direct food provision, Al Maarefa’s outreach includes nutrition education campaigns. University faculty and students have led workshops in local schools and community centers about healthy diets, food waste reduction, and cooking on a budget. These awareness programs empower community members with knowledge to improve their nutrition and reduce hunger in their own households. By teaching balanced eating and smart food choices, the university amplifies its impact on fighting hidden hunger (micronutrient deficiencies and poor diet quality) in the community [3].

Humanitarian Hackathon

In 2023, Al Maarefa University co-hosted a “Humanitarian Action and SDG Hackathon” focusing on innovative solutions for relief sectors including food security and nutrition [1]. This event brought together students, programmers, engineers, and young social entrepreneurs to develop creative projects addressing challenges like hunger, malnutrition, and food distribution in crisis situations [1]. By participating in such hackathons, Al Maarefa’s students not only volunteer their time and skills, but also contribute to technology-driven approaches for tackling hunger (e.g. apps for food donation logistics or nutrition monitoring in refugee camps). The hackathon experience raises awareness and trains students to think critically about hunger from a humanitarian perspective, extending the university’s outreach impact globally.

Partnerships and Collaborations for Food Security

Collaboration with NGOs

Al Maarefa University works closely with charitable organizations and NGOs to amplify its hunger-alleviation efforts. Notably, the university has a formal partnership with the Ensan Charitable Society for Orphans Care, established via an MoU in 2019 and active in subsequent years [6]. Through this partnership, Al Maarefa supports orphans’ welfare and education – which includes ensuring they have adequate food and nutrition – as part of a broader social responsibility agenda. Joint programs with Ensan provide orphans with meals (such as the Ramadan iftars) and other assistance, helping to break the cycle of poverty and hunger among this vulnerable group [6]. Additionally, the university’s cooperation with the Autism Families Association (mentioned above) demonstrates a commitment to work with civil society organizations to reach those who might be food-insecure due to disability or social disadvantage. These collaborations leverage the expertise and networks of NGOs while mobilizing the university’s volunteers and resources for greater impact.

Government and Policy Engagement

Al Maarefa University aligns its initiatives with national strategies like Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes food security and sustainable development [2]. The university collaborates with government agencies to support this vision – for example, by participating in government-led food security forums and policy discussions. University experts have engaged in cross-sector dialogues on improving local food systems, and shared research insights (such as findings on malnutrition and obesity) with public health authorities to inform policy [3]. While not directly running government programs, Al Maarefa acts as a valuable partner by contributing data, innovation, and educated graduates to national efforts aimed at zero hunger. Furthermore, the university has facilitated student access to government food aid schemes and stipends for low-income students, complementing state programs that ensure students from poor families can afford food and housing while studying [2].

International Cooperation

Recognizing that hunger is a global issue, Al Maarefa University also engages with international organizations and networks. The institution has participated in UN-related events and academic consortia focused on sustainable agriculture and nutrition. For instance, faculty from Al Maarefa have attended international conferences on food security, sharing the university’s experiences and learning best practices from around the world. Through its hackathons and knowledge exchange programs, Al Maarefa collaborates with entities like the United Nations and global NGOs to develop innovative solutions for hunger relief [3]. These international partnerships provide avenues for joint research projects and student involvement in global hunger alleviation initiatives, enhancing the university’s contribution to SDG2 beyond its national borders.

Engaging Local Farmers and Food Banks

At the local level, the university has begun forging ties with food producers and distributors. In recent community projects, Al Maarefa’s faculty of pharmacy and applied sciences provided expertise to local farmers on crop management and reducing post-harvest loss – linking academic knowledge with on-ground agricultural sustainability. The university has also hosted food donation drives on campus in collaboration with Riyadh’s food bank programs (such as the Saudi Food Bank “Eta’am”), encouraging students to donate surplus food and volunteering at food packaging centers for needy families. By partnering with both ends of the food supply chain – producers and food aid organizations – Al Maarefa helps create a more resilient, waste-conscious local food system.

Conclusion

From campus to community, Al Maarefa University’s initiatives since 2020 demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to Zero Hunger (SDG2). On campus, affordable and healthy dining ensures that students and staff can access nutritious food daily, with special support for those in need [1] [2]. Through its academic programs and research, the university is cultivating expertise in nutrition and sustainable agriculture, producing new insights to combat hunger [3]. Al Maarefa’s students and faculty extend these efforts outward via volunteerism – delivering meals, raising awareness, and innovating solutions to hunger in the wider community [1] [5]. Crucially, none of this is done in isolation: strong partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, and international bodies amplify the university’s impact on food security [3] [6].

Al Maarefa University’s SDG2 endeavors illustrate how a higher education institution can holistically tackle hunger – by nourishing its own campus, educating future leaders in food and nutrition, actively feeding and educating the community, and collaborating across sectors for sustainable change. These concerted actions contribute to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings mission and, more importantly, to the vision of a hunger-free society in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

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