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Addressing Malnutrition and Reducing Campus Food Waste
Centurion University aims to end all forms of malnutrition, particularly by addressing wasting and being overweight among students. A key aspect of this commitment is ensuring that food is managed efficiently across the University to reduce waste and improve food security, contributing to the broader fight against malnutrition.
Campus Food Waste and Population Overview
The University’s multiple campuses generate a substantial amount of food waste from its dining facilities, cafeterias, and student residences. With a total campus population of approx. 12,000 students and staff, the University recognises the significant impact of food waste on both its operational efficiency and the environment.
In 2023, the University produced approximately 751 kg of food waste per day across its campuses. This waste is generated from the following primary meals: breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner. The per capita food waste has been reduced over the years, from 0.21 kg in 2020 to 0.13 kg in 2023, reflecting the University’s ongoing efforts to promote awareness and reduce food wastage.
Measures to Overcome and Manage Food Waste
- Awareness and Education Campaigns: The University has implemented continuous awareness programs that emphasise the importance of reducing food waste. Signage and digital messages in dining areas remind students and staff about mindful consumption, helping to significantly reduce unnecessary food disposal.
- Efficient Menu Planning: The University’s mess services follow a balanced, nutritionally optimised menu based on caloric requirements from ICMR guidelines. This ensures that meals are prepared in appropriate quantities, minimising excess food production.
- Composting and Bio-digesters: The University has installed bio-digesters on its campuses to convert food waste into compost. This compost is used to enrich campus gardens and surrounding agricultural lands, promoting sustainable farming practices. As of 2023, the University has generated over 220 tons of compost from its food waste, turning a potential environmental burden into a valuable resource.
- Food Waste Monitoring and Reporting: The University regularly monitors food waste in its dining facilities, analysing the data to identify areas where waste can be reduced further. By comparing per capita waste over the years, the University adjusts its waste management strategies, ensuring continuous improvement.
Donation of Excess Food:
Whenever possible, surplus food from campus dining facilities is distributed to local communities or used as feed for animals, ensuring that food is not wasted and is utilised in other productive ways.
Through its proactive food waste management initiatives, Centurion University is making significant progress toward reducing food wastage, promoting nutritional well-being, and contributing to the global fight against malnutrition. The combination of educational efforts, sustainable practices, and waste-to-compost technology highlights the University’s leadership in creating a healthier and more sustainable campus environment.