Policy Food Quality, Sustainability, and Access on Campus

Announcement of Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat UniversitySubject: Policy Food Quality, Sustainability, and Access on Campus

I. Preamble and Guiding Principles
This policy establishes the institutional commitment of Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University (SNRU) to ensure that all food and beverage services provided on campus—including canteens, cafes, catering services, and vending machines—support the health, well-being, and academic success of the university community while upholding principles of environmental sustainability, affordability, and equity.
This Policy is aligned with the goals of promoting good health (SDG 3), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and minimizing food insecurity (SDG 2).
II. Core Policy Mandates

1. Health, Nutrition, and Well-being
   The University mandates that food services prioritize nutritious options by:
   A. Transparency: All food providers must display clear, easy-to-understand information regarding ingredients, major allergens, and nutritional content (where applicable) at the point of sale.
   B. Healthy Defaults: Increasing the proportional availability and visibility of whole foods, fresh produce, and plant-based protein options across all menus.
   C. Dietary Needs: Ensuring reasonable accommodation and readily available options for common dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian, halal, vegan, and common allergens).
   D. Reduction of Unhealthy Components: Minimizing the use of products with excessive levels of added sugar, sodium, and trans fats, in line with national public health guidelines.
2. Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing
   The University shall actively drive sustainable food practices by:
   A. Local and Seasonal Sourcing: Prioritizing the sourcing of food and ingredients from local farmers and producers within the Sakon Nakhon region to support the local economy and reduce transportation emissions.
   B. Sustainable Purchasing: Mandating that certain high-risk products, such as seafood and palm oil, are sourced from suppliers adhering to recognized sustainability or ethical certification schemes.
   C. Waste Prevention: Strictly prohibiting the use of single-use non-biodegradable plastic foodware (e.g., plastic plates, cups, cutlery) in all on-campus dining areas.
3. Affordability and Food Access
   To ensure access to food is equitable across all student demographics, the University shall:
   A. Value Meals: Require canteens to offer a minimum number of subsidized or clearly designated ‘Value Meal’ options daily, priced affordably to ensure all students can purchase a nutritious meal.
   B. Operating Hours: Ensure adequate and consistent operating hours across campus food outlets, particularly during evenings and weekends, to support students with non-traditional schedules.
   C. Food Security Programs: Establish and support programs (e.g., food banks or subsidized meal vouchers) to directly address instances of student food insecurity.
4. Waste Management and Circularity
   The University mandates a commitment to minimizing food waste and maximizing resource efficiency:
   A. Waste Reduction: Implement systems for tracking and monitoring food waste at the vendor and institutional level, with a goal of year-over-year reduction.
   B. Food Donation: Establish a protocol for the safe and ethical donation of surplus, edible food to local charities or community organizations.
   C. Organic Diversion: Ensure comprehensive infrastructure is in place for the composting or collection of organic food scraps from all campus dining areas.
   III. Oversight and Review
   The University shall establish a Campus Food Policy Committee, comprising representatives from students, faculty, administration, and campus food providers, responsible for:
5. Monitoring vendor compliance with all sections of this policy.
   2. Conducting annual surveys to gauge student satisfaction and identify areas of need regarding food access and quality.
   3. Reviewing and recommending updates to this policy every three (3) years to ensure continued relevance and best practice adherence.
      Announced on 1 November 2024