IMPLEMENTING A CAMPUS FOOD BANK: EXPERIENCES OF UiTM CAWANGAN PULAU PINANG DURING CRISIS AND ITS IMPACT ON STUDENT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Food insecurity is a potential problem among students in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Malaysia, driven by financial constraints and rising living costs, making them particularly vulnerable to this issue. In attempts to manage food insecurity, HEIs initiated the establishment of food banks especially during periods of crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This article aims to illustrate the operationalisation of campus-based food bank at Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pulau Pinang (UiTMCPP) that engaged the student leaders in its operation during the pandemic. Thematic analysis of student representative testimonies revealed key  leadership skills acquired through the management of the food bank such as crisis management, decision making and problem solving, communication and negotiation with the patrons, team work and volunteer coordination, and compassion for the students and their welfare. The findings confirm that the management of food bank can be a practical training ground where students develop essential skills outside the classroom. This paper discusses the role of student-led welfare initiatives in building social responsibility and leadership, focusing on the operational challenges and the leadership development of students who manage the food bank. These findings necessitate the need for increased institutional commitment to embed food security issues into comprehensive student welfare policies.