Food is important for all the living being but increased population and our irresponsible behaviour towards the environment has changed the cycle. Our earth has given us a tremendous resource, but millions of people are starving due to unequal access and ineffective management. With the use of cutting-edge technologies and equitable distribution methods, we can support the global population and ensure that no one will ever again be hungry.

MRIIRS has also established a centre for Medicinal Plan Pathology with the mission focusing on an eco-friendly approach for sustainable farming understanding the farmer’s aspirations and providing technological solutions to them through sound and novel science, keeping in mind the environment, plant, soil and human health issues. Department of Nutrition and Dietetics along with department of Hotel Management also help in spreading awareness on sustainable health food choices to be made available across the campus. The nutrition values of the offered menus are assessed by the departments and accordingly the cyclic food menus are offered across the campus.

• Ek Muthi Daan: No One Sleeps Hungry

A salient statement in the Vision and Mission of MRIIRS has been to train its students in the backdrop of Indian ethos and values to enable their transformation into insightful, honorable, and responsible citizens of India, who work and dedicate themselves for the advancement of humanity. Since its inception, MRIIRS has rendered extension services to the people of Faridabad District and adjoining areas, which has brought about seminal changes on many fronts. With a great emphasis on the values of humility and gratitude, the students and faculty members have taken up the cudgels for societal upliftment of the general population of Faridabad district and contiguous areas through its ISR initiatives.

The ISR arm of MRIIRS, Dr O P Bhalla Foundation, operates with the objectives to carry forward philanthropic and development activities in various fields including Ek Muthi Daan with the aim of No One Sleeps Hungry (http://dropbhallafoundation.org/ek-mutthi-daan/). Under this initiative, more than 50,000 kg of wheat, rice, grains and cereals have already been collected and donated to orphanages, old age homes, animal shelters and to District Administration (for supporting migrant labourers during Covid).

https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/business/2022/09/17/del20-manav-rachna-educational-institutions.html

The 8^th ASSOCHAM Educational award bestowed upon Manav Rachna International University is a true reflection of the spirit and dedication with which the Foundation has catered to the needs of the marginalized while serving social causes like Ek Muthi Daan(a movement where no one sleeps hungry), community health camps, mega blood donation camps, Swachh Bharat Swasth Bharat, Waste management, Maintenance of the World’s Tallest Tiranga, and supporting the Beti Bachao Beti Padao campaign, among others.

Evidence Link: https://manavrachna.edu.in/press-release/press-mriu/assocham-declares-mriu-as-the-best-university-serving-social-cause-2/

• Food Waste tracking and Interventions for Food Wastage Reduction

At Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, we do follow a food wastage tracking program based on certain Sustainable Food policies. This food waste tracking process provides better identification of areas for improvement and makes team members more aware about the food wastage. Food waste at all the outlets of the campus including Hostel Mess is recorded on the daily basis and kept in record for making future strategies. The analysis of food waste is evaluated and based on the statistics further measures including rigorous sensitization towards NO FOOD WASTE etc. are planned.

We at Manav Rachna Education Institutions aim to minimize the food wastage in order to overcome the global issue. Students and all peers are always sensitized about the food wastage. Multiple processes have been designed and being followed to ensure minimization of food wastage. Cyclic menu helps in planning the material supply and inventory. Raw food material and ingredients are always being procured from definite vendors which have already being identified on the basis of their quality service. Portion control dishes are being used in order to control the food portion to minimize the wastage. Regular audits are also done to understand the wastage of specific food type if any.  Sensor taps have been installed to control water wastage as well. Dish washers have been installed for second screening of food wastage. Deep and huge freezers have also been installed to store surplus raw and processed food to avoid food wastage.

MREI not only focuses on reducing the food wastage but also on the sensible disposition of food wastage generated. Any amount of food wastage generated is divided into two parts by weights. One part goes to the Compost Plant while the other part goes either to the local animal/cow shelters to feed the animals or shelter homes through Dr. O. P. Bhalla Foundation (an ISR arm of MRIIS) or to Food Unit of Manav Rachna Innovation and Incubation Centre for further research.

Regular audits and inspections from internal committee also ensure the follow up of the sustainable food policies in the most efficient manner.