Telkom University Strengthens Student Welfare Through “Jumat Berkah” and Food Security Programs

Keywords:FoodSecurity, Nutrition, StudentWelfare

Food insecurity and hunger among students have become global challenges that demand increasing attention within higher education institutions. Recognizing the importance of adequate and nutritious food in supporting students’ academic performance and overall well-being, Telkom University has taken proactive steps to address these issues.

The university has implemented a range of comprehensive programs designed to combat student hunger and promote food stability across the campus community. Below are several flagship initiatives that reflect Telkom University’s strong commitment to student welfare and inclusive food access.

“Jumat Berkah”: Complimentary Lunch for Students

Telkom University launched the “Jumat Berkah” program to support students facing financial hardship by offering free nutritious lunches every Friday. This initiative embodies Telkom University’s dedication to student welfare while nurturing a spirit of compassion, solidarity, and care within the academic community. The program is sustained through contributions from lecturers, staff, and external partners who share the university’s concern for student well-being. Beyond providing meals, “Jumat Berkah” fosters a campus culture rooted in empathy, mutual support, and shared responsibility.

Tel-U Culinary Festival is new initiative in this year

The Tel-U Culinary Festival is an annual celebration of culinary creativity and food diversity, showcasing student innovation, faculty participation, and local business collaboration. This event promotes nutritious and balanced eating habits while serving as an educational platform for raising food and nutrition awareness.

In addition, Telkom University leverages the festival as a way toencourage student entrepreneurship, offering participants opportunities to present and sell their own food creations, thereby developing valuable business and leadership skills.

“KantinKejujuran” (Honesty Canteen) or Self-Managed Campus Canteens

Located in the peaceful area of the Language Center, the “KantinKejujuran” (Honesty Canteen) is a unique and inspiring initiative at Telkom University.
Its concept is simple yet meaningful — customers take the items they wish to purchase and place their payment into the provided box, with no cashier present. This system cultivates important values such as honesty, responsibility, and independence among students.

Telkom University also directly manages its self-operated canteens, often in collaboration with local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), to ensure quality, hygiene, and affordability. Through these partnerships, the university not only provides students with low-cost, high-quality meals but also supports and empowers the local economy.

Conventional University Canteen

In a move towards greater food sovereignty and sustainability, Telkom University has initiated the cultivation of sorghum on campus. This hardy and nutritious grain serves as a sustainable local food source, reducing dependency on external supplies and providing students with access to a diverse and resilient food option. This initiative underscores the university's commitment to innovative and sustainable food systems.

Conventional University Canteen

Complementing the self-managed facilities, Telkom University also operates conventional canteens managed by carefully selected external vendors. These vendors are required to meet the university’s food quality and hygiene standards. Regular inspections and monitoring are conducted to maintain food safety, service quality, and price fairness, ensuring equitable access to nutritious meals for the entire campus community.

Vending Machines for Accessible Nutrition

To further increase accessibility to convenient and nutritious food options, Telkom University has installed vending machines in key campus areas.
These machines offer healthy snacks and beverages at affordable prices, allowing students to maintain balanced nutrition even during busy academic schedules.

Joint Initiative with the Bandung Health Agency

In collaboration with the Bandung Health Agency, Telkom University has launched initiatives aimed at enhancing food safety and health awareness across campus.
This partnership includes educational programs on balanced nutrition, health inspections of food facilities, and public health campaigns promoting safe food handling and healthy lifestyles.

Through this joint effort, the university reinforces its commitment to maintaining a safe, hygienic, and health-conscious learning environment.

Conclusion

Through its diverse initiatives—including “Jumat Berkah,” the Tel-U Culinary Festival, “Kantin Kejujuran,” self-managed canteens with MSMEs, on-campus sorghum cultivation, vending machines, and health partnerships—Telkom University demonstrates a holistic and integrated commitment to student food security and well-being. These programs ensure that all students have consistent access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food, while fostering a campus culture of care, integrity, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. By comprehensively addressing student food insecurity, Telkom University advances its mission of nurturing a supportive, health-conscious, and inclusive academic environment, contributing directly to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being)