Walailak University Food Outlets: Healthy and Affordable Food Choices for All
Walailak University is committed to promoting the well-being of its campus community by providing healthy and affordable food choices for all on campus at all food outlets to ensure access on nutritious, hygienic, and affordable meals. Through the leadership of the Center of Property Management, the university has implemented a series of measures that regulate food pricing, enhance food safety, and promote healthy dietary habits for students, staff, and visitors alike. These measures reflect the university’s broader mission of fostering a supportive, inclusive, and health-conscious environment.
Walailak University adopts a data-led approach to evaluate and strengthen its sustainability initiatives, particularly in the area of healthy and affordable food choices for all on campus at all food outlets. Through the leadership of the Center of Property Management, the university continuously assesses the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food services on campus. Regular evaluations help identify strengths, areas for improvement, and opportunities to ensure that every member of the campus community—students, staff, and visitors—can access nutritious, hygienic, and affordable meals. Key findings from this diagnostic process highlighted the need for transparent pricing, food hygiene assurance, and inclusive food choices for all dietary preferences.
Figures : The Center of Property Management organizing an annual meeting in 2024 to discuss the prices and quality of food with food operators on campus.
To protect students and staff from being burdened by high food costs, Walailak University requires engagement from all food operators on campus to maintain fair pricing as part of their contractual obligations. Prices are kept lower than those at external food vendors, offering a cost reduction of approximately 20–30% compared to off-campus options.
Additionally, several food outlets provide special discounts to further improve accessibility. All vendors must clearly display price tags to ensure transparency and prevent misunderstandings. This pricing rule reflects the university’s commitment to equity and financial well-being, particularly for students who may be managing limited budgets.
Healthy Food Choices for All on Campus
When referring to healthy food choices for all on campus, Walailak University has developed and issued the Announcement of Walailak University, Subject: 2022 Policy on Food Preparation and Sustainable Consumption. The policy specifically addresses healthy food in items, which states that food service providers must attach great importance to the principles of food hygiene and safety in all steps of food production: cleaning, raw material storage, hygienic care of cooking utensils and packaging, cooking, and distribution. Furthermore, the item specifies that all food service providers on campus must attend the food safety orientation organized by the Center of Walailak University Property Management. All of these measures serve to reaffirm the university’s commitment to providing healthy and affordable food choices for all on campus at every food outlet.
Food safety is a top priority at Walailak University. The university enforces strict sanitation protocols through the Committee for Food Safety and Sanitation, established under the Walailak University Order (2015). Weekly inspections are conducted by a joint team from the Center of Property Management and the School of Public Health to evaluate the hygiene and quality of food services for the existence of healthy food choices on campus. Including activities that emphasize ensuring consumers within the university receive safe and high-quality food. In 2024, Walailak University organized a food sanitation training program for food vendors and food handlers within the university. The program featured both lecture sessions and knowledge stations, along with practical training activities for the participating vendors.
Walailak University conducts a practical inspection of food service quality at all food outlets—namely Activity Building Food Center and the Chor Pradu Food Center. The inspection focused on detecting coliform bacteria in food, utensils, equipment, and the hands of food handlers. This activity is part of the mission of the Center of Property Management, which collaborates with both internal and external partners to ensure food safety and healthy food choices for all food outlets users at Walailak University.
In 2024, the success of these initiatives was clearly demonstrated, as no cases of food contamination were reported on campus. All meals met nutritional standards and were portioned appropriately, reinforcing confidence in campus dining services and contributing to a healthier university environment.
Criteria for Selecting Food Vendors in Line with Healthy and Affordable Food Choices
In selecting food vendors to operate within Walailak University, the Center of Property Management has established specific criteria and conditions to align with the university’s commitment to healthy and affordable food choices.
Figure: requirements and service details for shops/services related to healthy and affordable food choices for all food outlets
Vendors are required to have prior experience in the food business to ensure the safety and reliability of the food served. All food products must be certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or meet relevant industrial standards, ensuring that students and staff have access to safe, high-quality meals. Additionally, vendors must maintain cleanliness and hygiene in their service areas at all times and provide standard, contaminant-free utensils such as plates, spoons, and forks. Prices must be fair, clearly displayed with proper signage, and any adjustments to the menu or pricing must receive prior approval from the university. These requirements aim to enhance the well-being of the university community by ensuring access to nutritious and affordable food options.
Figure: The vendor agrees to the contract and shall strictly adhere to the Requirements and Service Details pertaining to Healthy and Affordable Food Choices.
Positive Impact on the Campus Community
Walailak University’s approach to food sustainability has generated a meaningful impact in two key areas: health and economic well-being. By maintaining strict hygiene standards and promoting balanced, nutritious meals, the university fosters better health outcomes for students and staff. Simultaneously, by offering affordable food choices, it helps reduce financial strain, especially for students. The result is a food system that actively reduces food insecurity, supports daily nutrition, and aligns with the university’s goal of inclusive and sustainable campus life.
Conclusion
Through its proactive policies and programs, Walailak University ensures that healthy, affordable, and safe food is not a privilege, but a right for everyone on campus. The collaborative efforts of the Center of Property Management and the School of Public Health have built a food service model that prioritizes accessibility, hygiene, and nutritional value—laying the foundation for a healthier and more equitable university community.
Goal 2: Zero hunger
Goal 3: Good health and well-being
Goal 4: Quality Education
Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals