Student Food Insecurity and Hunger Programme
Chiang Mai University operates the “Token to Care” programme to address student food insecurity and hunger. The initiative, managed by the Office of Student Development, provides food tokens and basic support to students in need. This university-led system ensures that no student faces hunger.
This program provides urgent financial assistance to students facing immediate financial hardship — such as being unable to afford meals, delayed financial support from parents or guardians, loss of money, or other emergency situations. The assistance is offered as a non-repayable grant. Eligible students who are approved for support will receive Meal Tokens valued at 100 Baht per day via the CMU Mobile Application, which can be used to pay for meals at participating on-campus food vendors. Students may apply for assistance for up to five (5) consecutive days per request, aiming to alleviate short-term financial distress and ensure that they can continue their studies without experiencing food insecurity during times of crisis.
The university operates a comprehensive programme addressing student food insecurity through systematic identification and continuous support mechanisms. Regular surveys assess food access, nutrition status, and hunger levels among students. Coordinated interventions include campus food banks providing nutritious, affordable food to vulnerable populations experiencing undernourishment. The programme ensures reliable access to sufficient food resources, partnering with sustainable agriculture networks and local food producers. Assessment protocols monitor programme effectiveness in alleviating malnutrition and achieving food security for students throughout their academic journey.
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