Interventions to prevent or alleviate hunger among staff

At JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSS AHER), we are committed to ensuring that students, staff, and faculty have access to quality, affordable food on campus through a variety of food services that prioritize nutrition, accessibility, and community support.

On-Campus Food Court Services for Hunger Alleviation and Accessible Nutrition

JSS AHER operates multiple food courts across its campuses, ensuring that fresh, nutritious, and affordable food is available to all members of our community. These food courts are strategically positioned and accessible throughout the day, providing convenient options for students and staff who may not have consistent access to meals.

Affordable and Quality Food Offerings

  • Vendor Selection and Quality Assurance: Vendors are carefully selected based on a competitive quotation process, where both the quality of food and affordability are primary criteria. Selected vendors adhere strictly to guidelines set by JSS AHER and comply with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) certifications, ensuring that the food served meets the highest safety and quality standards.
  • Range of Services: Food courts operate from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, providing a wide variety of options, including breakfast, lunch, tea, coffee, snacks, and evening refreshments. This comprehensive range of meal options allows for continuous nourishment throughout the day.

Community Support and Locally Sourced Ingredients

  • Promoting Local Agriculture: All food courts and canteens source their ingredients locally, supporting regional farmers and reducing the environmental footprint associated with food transportation. By promoting local produce, JSS AHER not only ensures the freshest possible ingredients but also supports the economic stability of the local farming community.
  • Sustainable Practices and Organic Produce: Many ingredients used in meal preparation come from on-campus kitchen gardens, cultivated using organic compost produced within the campus. This sustainable practice contributes to healthier meals, reduces waste, and educates the campus community on the importance of self-sustaining food practices.

Ensuring Safety and Hygiene with FSSAI Certification

All food courts and canteens on JSS AHER campuses hold FSSAI certifications, attesting to their commitment to maintaining food safety and hygiene. Regular inspections and audits are conducted to ensure that these standards are upheld consistently, giving peace of mind to everyone who relies on these food services.

Through these initiatives, JSS AHER demonstrates a comprehensive approach to ensuring food security, nutritional support, and community engagement on campus.

Blog
Blog

Blog
Blog

Accessibility and Food Support for Students and Staff

  • Subsidized Meals: To address food insecurity among the campus community, JSS AHER provides meals at highly subsidized prices in the food courts, making quality food affordable and accessible to students and staff. Special discounts and meal packages are available for individuals facing temporary financial difficulties.
  • Extended Support Services: The food courts operate as a vital support system, providing an affordable and nutritious food source for all campus members. For students and staff who may require additional food support, partnerships with local food banks or emergency relief funds are established to ensure that no one on campus faces hunger or food insecurity.
Blog

Emergency Food Assistance Program or Temporary Relief Fund

JSS AHER also provides subsidized food for the staff who would like to avail food from the JSS AHER food courts or canteens. However, to prevent hunger among our daily wage employees, The institution provides healthy lunch at free of cost on a daily basis.

Comprehensive Food Assistance and Emergency Relief Programs at JSS AHER

Free Daily Meals for Daily Wage Employees

  • To directly combat food insecurity among daily wage employees, JSS AHER provides a nutritious, complimentary lunch every day. This initiative ensures that employees receive a balanced, healthy meal that supports their physical well-being, fosters a sense of belonging, and relieves the financial burden of daily food expenses.
  • The institution’s food assistance program for daily wage staff includes carefully planned, wholesome meals that align with dietary guidelines, ensuring that every individual receives essential nutrients to sustain their health and energy for work.

Subsidized Food Services for All Staff and Students

  • In addition to free meals for daily wage staff, JSS AHER offers substantial subsidies for all campus members who wish to access food services at any of our food courts or canteens. These subsidies are designed to make nutritious meals affordable, providing students, faculty, and staff with budget-friendly options throughout the day.
  • Meals are available at discounted rates across breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, ensuring that no one faces financial strain in accessing quality food while on campus.

Emergency Food Assistance and Temporary Relief Fund

  • Emergency Meal Vouchers: For campus members facing sudden financial difficulties, JSS AHER provides emergency meal vouchers that allow temporary access to free meals at designated food courts. These vouchers offer immediate relief and ensure that no individual goes hungry due to unforeseen circumstances.
  • Temporary Relief Fund: JSS AHER has established a temporary relief fund to assist employees and students in times of financial crisis, such as sudden job loss or unexpected medical expenses. This fund can be used to cover meal costs for a limited period, giving individuals the support they need to overcome temporary hardships without compromising their nutritional needs.
  • Rapid Response for Food Assistance: A dedicated support team coordinates with campus services to respond swiftly to any food insecurity cases identified within the university. Through a simple and confidential process, individuals in need can receive immediate meal support while longer-term solutions are arranged if required.

Promoting Sustainable Food Sourcing and Healthy Nutrition

  • Local and Sustainable Sourcing: To ensure quality and support local agriculture, all ingredients used in the food courts are sourced from local vendors and farmers. Additionally, a significant portion of the vegetables required for campus meals is grown in JSS AHER’s own kitchen gardens using organic compost from the campus itself, reinforcing sustainable practices and delivering fresh produce to the campus community.
  • Nutrition Education Initiatives: In collaboration with the Health and Wellness department, JSS AHER offers periodic workshops and nutrition education sessions for all employees, focusing on affordable healthy eating and the benefits of a balanced diet. This empowers staff and students to make informed choices both on and off campus

Through these comprehensive efforts, JSS AHER not only addresses immediate food needs but also fosters a supportive, inclusive environment where every member of the campus community feels secure and valued. The institution’s commitment to reducing hunger and promoting health aligns with JSS AHER’s core values of social responsibility and holistic support for all.

Blog
Blog

Glimpses of interventions taken for daily wage employees