Goal 2. Zero Hunger
2.3.1 Student food insecurity and hunger
2023-2024
AASTMT has operationalized a structured program aimed at mitigating food insecurity within its student community. The university maintains an affordable meal policy through its campus food service outlets, offering meals priced at cost or at substantially reduced rates to ensure accessibility. In particular, subsidized and free meal plans are offered to students living in on-campus residences who come from low-income backgrounds, helping to reduce financial burdens while promoting students’ health, focus, and overall well-being. This is done through multiple efforts:
• The outlets and cafeterias across the campuses offer their meals and food at lower prices than their original prices outside campuses’ borders, with approximately 5 to 10% lower prices than original ones.
• Meal pricing is calculated with minimum profit margins and is based on actual supply costs, thereby enabling nutritious food options at more accessible price points.
• Daily varieties of meal service reaches more than 1000 students and staff members
• AASTMT’s admissions and financial-aid framework includes need-based waivers and tuition support for low-income and disrupted families, underscoring the institution’s broader commitment to economic inclusion.
These efforts reflect AASTMT’s commitment to ensuring that all students are able to access balanced, nutritious meals, thereby supporting their academic success, wellbeing and equitable participation in campus life.
2022-2023
AASTMT has implemented a structured program to combat food insecurity among students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. The institution offers subsidized and free meals through partnerships with on-campus dining facilities, such as the Brazilian Coffee Restaurant. Discounts ranging from 5% to 30% are provided on meals, and students on full scholarships receive free meals, alleviating the financial burden of food expenses and ensuring they have access to nourishing meals.
These efforts demonstrate AASTMT’s dedication to tackling food insecurity among its student body, ensuring all students have access to balanced, nutritious meals, thereby promoting their academic success and overall well-being.
Subsidized Meal offers
The free and subsidised food alternatives are thoughtfully crafted to satisfy students' dietary needs and enhance their general wellbeing while establishing an inclusive and egalitarian environment within the school.
Promoting Sustainable Food Practices
The Arab Academy for Science and Technology's College of Management has undertaken a transformative initiative to address food insecurity and enhance sustainable food systems. This student-led project raises awareness about the importance of reducing leftover food waste and emphasizes its conversion into organic fertilizers to boost agricultural productivity. By promoting waste-to-fertilizer practices, the initiative supports sustainable agriculture and empowers small-scale farmers with eco-friendly solutions. Additionally, the project tackled food insecurity through a community-driven food collection day, where students encouraged individuals to donate surplus non-perishable food items such as canned goods, pasta, oil, rice, milk, and sugar. These supplies were distributed to vulnerable groups, including those experiencing food insecurity, demonstrating a commitment to equitable access to nutritious food. This holistic approach, combining waste reduction, sustainable farming practices, and food redistribution, directly supports improving agricultural resilience, reducing waste, and enhancing food security for all.
2021-2022
The Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) plays a crucial role in society as a non-profit organization by addressing the financial limitations faced by students through its commendable initiative of providing subsidized and free meals. This initiative primarily benefits students who have been awarded scholarships due to their financial constraints. The AASTMT recognizes the importance of ensuring that students from all backgrounds have access to quality education and a supportive environment. By offering discounts ranging from 5% to 30% on meals, as well as providing free meals to students with full scholarships, the AASTMT helps alleviate the financial burden on these students, enabling them to focus on their studies and personal growth. This initiative not only promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities but also fosters a sense of community and support within the institution. By prioritizing the well-being and nutritional needs of its students, the AASTMT contributes significantly to their academic success and overall development.
Subsidized Meal offers
The subsidized and free food options offered by the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) are a testament to their commitment to supporting students from diverse financial backgrounds. The range of food options available ensures that students have access to nutritious meals that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. Whether students opt for subsidized meals with discounts ranging from 5% to 30% or qualify for free meals through full scholarships, the AASTMT strives to provide a balanced and fulfilling dining experience. The subsidized and free food options are carefully designed to meet the nutritional requirements of students, promoting their overall well-being while fostering a sense of inclusivity and equality within the institution. By offering such food options, the AASTMT not only addresses the financial limitations faced by students but also ensures that they can focus on their academic pursuits without compromising their dietary needs.
The free and subsidised food alternatives are thoughtfully crafted to satisfy students' dietary needs and enhance their general wellbeing while establishing an inclusive and egalitarian environment within the school.
AASTMT Alumni on the AASTMT news page