The Isabela State University (ISU) Cauayan Food Bank Project, titled Building a Hunger-Free Community: The Isabela State University Food Bank and Feeding Program Initiative, was officially launched on November 26, 2024, at the BPO Training Hall. This initiative, a key component of the SMART FIC Project led by Dr. Lorelei Tabago, aims to combat food insecurity among indigent students and staff while aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2): Zero Hunger.

This collaborative project involves several key stakeholders, including ISU-FIC Cauayan, directed by Ms. Kristin Bernadette D. Callang; the Supreme Student Council (SSC), led by adviser Sir Dionicio D. Gante and SSC President Mr. Jord Denzel U. Gante; the ISU Cauayan Food Court, managed by Mam Estelita D. Eder; and the ISU Cauayan Faculty Association under President Dr. Jojo P. Bautista. Together, these collaborators will implement initiatives to provide nutritious meals and support services tailored to address food insecurity among students and staff.

The project seeks to alleviate immediate hunger, enhance educational outcomes, and promote healthy eating habits among students. By addressing hunger, the initiative aims to improve academic performance, as hunger significantly affects students’ concentration and engagement in learning activities. During the launch event, healthy rice meals prepared by the Food Innovation Center were distributed to identified student recipients and ten staff members, symbolizing a commitment to ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to safe and sufficient food.

The initiative reflects ISU’s dedication to building a hunger-free future for its campus community. As emphasized during the launch, “Sharing is caring,” highlighting the collective effort to support those facing food insecurity. By pooling resources and support, ISU aims to create a more equitable community where every student can focus on their education without the burden of hunger. Dr. Tabago expressed gratitude towards collaborators and highlighted the importance of this project in fostering a supportive environment for students and staff alike. The initiative represents a critical step toward achieving SDG 2, emphasizing coordinated action to create sustainable food systems. Through the ISU Food Bank Project, ISU is not only addressing immediate hunger but also investing in the future of its students and staff, paving the way for a healthier, more resilient community.