CITI University has adopted a range of initiatives to ensure food security for students and promote sustainable agriculture. These include an affordable and nutritious food services, a food bank, and programs that support local farmers—all of which play a crucial role in improving students' quality of life. The university also prioritizes purchasing food products from domestic producers, making a tangible contribution to the achievement of sustainable development goals.
CITI University has a dedicated “Student Food Security Program,” which includes the following components:
· Food assistance fund
· Low-cost and free meal services
· Nutrition education and counseling
· Student clubs and community engagement
· Economic support
To prevent hunger among students, the university has taken the following steps:
· Food bank
· Ice cream vending machines
· Coffee shop
· Student cafeteria
These services are utilized regularly by 81.5% of our students. To further enhance the university has signed a Machine Placement Agreement to facilitate access to vending machines on campus.
The university provides sustainable food options to accommodate the diverse dietary needs of all individuals on campus, including vegetarian and vegan diets. In 2024, a dietary habits survey was conducted among 702 students (67% female, 33% male). The findings showed that 90.7% consume all types of food, 2.8% follow a vegan diet, and 6.4% follow other dietary practices. In response to these findings, the university cafeteria offers meals for vegetarians and vegans based on a menu approved by the President of CITI University.
CITI University ensures that everyone on campus has access to healthy and affordable meals. The university cafeteria fully complies with the “Model Regulations on Hygiene and Infection Control for Food Production and Service Facilities,” as approved by the Minister of Health (Order A/406, dated November 24, 2023). This compliance guarantees that the cafeteria meets the standards of food safety and hygiene by emphasizing food variety, customer comfort, a clean environment, and reasonable prices.
The university also actively monitors the amount of food waste generated at the campus cafeteria. Food waste is weighed and measured by volume daily. Currently, the cafeteria disposes of 0.025 to 0.03 metric tons of food waste per day. Plans are in place to implement more efficient measurement methods that will be introduced in the future.
CITI University has conducted two training workshops on food security and sustainable agriculture to enhance the knowledge and practices of local farmers.
In collaboration with the Mongolian Farmers’ Association, the university has organized annual knowledge-sharing events that connect local crop growers and food producers. These events have seen the participation of 121 representatives from two provinces, providing a platform for the exchange of valuable experiences.
To improve sustainable farming practices, the university extends comprehensive assistance to local farmers and producers. For instance, under a memorandum of understanding with the “Green Gobi” NGO located in Bayanzürkh District, the university provided free classroom space on three occasions for their staff meetings and seminars.
CITI University prioritizes purchasing products from domestic and sustainable sources. The university cafeteria procures 100% of its main food supplies—including meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables—from local food producers. Using high-quality, standardized ingredients has positively impacted the health of faculty, staff, and students, contributing to enhanced productivity.
