Bandung, November 8, 2024 – In an effort to reduce hunger and food access inequality, the Faculty of Health Sciences at Brawijaya University (FIKES UB) and Food Bank Bandung have established a strategic partnership. This collaboration aims to expand the impact of food distribution while developing a food management model that can be adapted into community service programs within the academic environment.
Food Bank Bandung is known as a social organization focused on rescuing and distributing food to vulnerable groups. By collecting surplus food from various sources such as restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and individuals, Food Bank Bandung has assisted numerous orphanages, shelters, and underprivileged communities in Bandung and its surrounding areas. Additionally, they run food education programs to raise public awareness about the importance of food management and reducing food waste.
During discussions held in Bandung, both parties agreed on several points of collaboration:
- Food Distribution and Management: FIKES UB will adopt Food Bank Bandung’s food management model to develop policy-based community service programs involving stakeholders.
- Education and Volunteer Programs: FIKES UB students will have the opportunity to participate in volunteer programs, including food collection, packaging, and distribution.
- Disaster Relief: This collaboration also includes strengthening disaster relief schemes, which have been one of Food Bank Bandung’s key focuses.
- Matching Fund or 2025 Matching Fund Scheme: Food Bank Bandung’s activity model will be further studied to enable its implementation at FIKES UB with a sustainable funding scheme.
The Domestic Cooperation Coordinator of FIKES UB, Intan Yusuf Habibie, S.Gz, M.Sc, stated that this partnership is a concrete step in realizing academic contributions to society. “We see Food Bank Bandung as an extraordinary initiative that not only helps reduce hunger but also creates broad social impacts. We hope this model can be replicated and developed within the campus environment,” she said.
Meanwhile, the CEO of Food Bank Bandung, M. Gumilang Pramuwidyatama, SE, M.Sc., PhD, welcomed this collaboration and expressed optimism that academic involvement could strengthen the program’s sustainability. “Collaborating with universities adds value to us, especially in terms of research and innovation to enhance the effectiveness of food distribution,” he said.
With this partnership, it is hoped that more communities will be assisted, and broader awareness will be created about the importance of better food management. FIKES UB and Food Bank Bandung are optimistic that this effort can be a significant step toward the mission of zero hunger in Indonesia.
