2.5.4. Sustainable food purchases
UEH Promotes Healthy, Sustainable Food Support Initiatives for Students and Faculty
With a commitment to supporting the living and learning needs of its community and addressing nutritional challenges, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) has developed initiatives to provide accessible, sustainable, and nutritious food options for students and faculty. Through canteens, vending machines, and environmentally friendly meal options on campus, UEH aims to ensure that everyone has affordable access to wholesome food while contributing to a sustainable community.
Waste Audit at the Campuses of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH)
As part of its sustainability efforts, UEH conducted a food waste audit across its campuses, revealing that approximately 61,262 kg of food was wasted in 2023, especially from buffet and takeaway meals. The data collected identified that vegetables and rice were often left uneaten, prompting an adjustment in portion sizes and a renewed emphasis on promoting sustainable food consumption habits. UEH encourages students to only take the amount of food they need, marking a crucial step towards an efficient food system that reduces waste.
Many universities today, including the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), recognize the importance of supporting students to prevent food insecurity, an increasingly common issue in student communities. UEH provides spacious, eco-friendly canteens at its campuses that offer nutritious meals at reasonable prices. The university actively promotes sustainable lifestyles for both students and faculty by sourcing environmentally friendly, locally-produced, and sustainably-sourced ingredients. These canteens offer food from trusted, organic sources, with vegetarian options available to minimize environmental impact. UEH also ensures that food is prepared fresh daily, maintaining health and safety standards.
Spacious Canteens Providing Nutritious, Environmentally-Friendly, and Safe Food at Affordable Prices
To prevent and reduce food and clean water shortages for both faculty and students, UEH has set up vending machines for water and coffee throughout the campus, making it easy for the UEH community to access safe, affordable, or even free food and drink options. Additionally, UEH regularly organizes informational programs and workshops on food security, providing practical advice on nutrition and cost-effective grocery shopping. These initiatives not only ensure convenient access to nutritious meals for faculty but also encourage their involvement in community activities, fostering a supportive and cohesive work environment.
Vending Machines for Water, Coffee, and Water Filters Are Located Throughout Campus to Serve Faculty and Students
Aligned with its "Green University Practice Regulations" UEH advocates for the use of reusable packaging and reduced single-use plastic within its dining services. Equipped with microwaves, UEH encourages students and faculty to bring homemade meals, and water refilling stations with paper cups are available to limit single-use items. These actions not only address food security and reduce financial burdens but also promote a sustainable lifestyle, encouraging students to engage in practices that reduce waste and preserve resources.
UEH provides microwave ovens for faculty and students at campus N.
Water Filters Providing Water for Faculty and Students in the Hallways of Classrooms
The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) has been actively implementing initiatives to reduce hunger and food insecurity for both students and faculty. Through the provision of infrastructure, canteens, vending machines, and sustainable, healthy, and affordable food options, UEH ensures food security and encourages individuals to live in an environmentally friendly way, fostering the development of a healthy community.
