BMC's Dedication to Achieving Zero Hunger
BMC continues to expand its impact in achieving the SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), building upon the solid foundation in the previous years focusing on integrating nutrition modules into curricula, partnering with entities like "Savola" to reduce food waste, and distributing food baskets, its efforts in 2025 have evolved to include a more holistic approach that integrates clinical nutrition, sustainable agricultural initiatives, and direct community aid.
Academic and Educational Integration in Nutrition
Student Research and Projects: Deepening the academic track related to nutrition, the poster presentation day for third-year students in the Medicine program focused primarily on the theme of "Clinical Nutrition," thereby enhancing advanced medical understanding of the role of food in healthcare.
Dietary Awareness: The college implemented awareness campaigns targeting schools and the community to promote healthy food choices, with an emphasis on the importance of a balanced diet and reducing sugar intake to prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes.
Community Initiatives and Direct Food Aid
Ramadan Boxes Initiative: In continuation of food relief efforts, the Volunteer Club organized a comprehensive campaign to prepare and distribute "Ramadan Boxes." Volunteers assembled and packed over 1,500 boxes containing essential food commodities (such as flour, oil, tea, and dates) and distributed them to needy families across the city of Jeddah.
Supporting Orphans during Eid: The Volunteer Club organized a special Eid al-Fitr celebration for orphans, which included providing snacks, sweets, and gifts for the children within a supportive environment aimed at enhancing their social inclusion.
Strategic Partnerships and Food Accessibility
One of the notable collaborations BMC has been a part of is its strategic partnership with the Savola World Foundation. BMC’s involvement in the flagship program "Negaderha" demonstrates its commitment to reducing food wastage. BMC continues working closely with Savola and its international partners, such as the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and The Food Waste Resources Action Program (WRAP), to conduct in-depth studies on food wastage trends. This collaboration also included training workshops for students on best practices in food waste management, thereby increasing community awareness and fostering more responsible food consumption practices.
Discounted Food Subscriptions: To ensure students and staff have access to regular and reliable meals, the college entered into a partnership agreement with "Al-Izdihar and Al-Rafah Trading Company Ltd." (ZMeals app). The agreement offers customized food packages that include lunches for working days at a 30% discount, along with free delivery to workplaces within the college.
Agricultural Projects and Environmental Security: In support of sustainability that serves food security, the college partnered with the Makkah branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture to plant 1,000 agricultural seedlings within the college facilities. Additionally, the Medicine program launched the "Adopt a Plant" initiative to encourage students to practice agriculture and engage in sustainable plant care.
Cultural and Awareness Events Related to Food
Food Truck Festival: The Medicine program organized a Food Truck Festival on campus, providing a variety of local foods and contributing to strengthening community bonds among students and faculty members in an informal setting.
Multicultural Festival: In alignment with the SDGs, the International Students Club organized a festival showcasing traditional foods from various cultures and countries, which contributed to promoting cultural exchange and awareness of global food diversity.
This expansion of activities highlights the college's commitment to moving beyond traditional concepts of food support, shifting towards building an integrated educational and community environment that supports clinical nutrition, encourages sustainable agricultural practices, and provides accessible food solutions for all its affiliates.