Hunger Issues Among Adolescent

AINA MARDIA BINTI ZAHARUDDIN

2216370

The issue of food shortage among adolescents in the modern world is a widespread concern that affects a significant portion of the student population. This problem arises due to a combination of factors, primarily the challenges faced by students in managing their time and finances while attending classes. Juggling academic commitments, extracurricular activities, and part-time jobs leaves little room for proper meal planning and preparation. Another contributing factor to the food scarcity problem is the limited and often inadequate food options available within educational institutions. Many schools, colleges, and universities offer restricted menus that lack variety and fail to provide essential nutrients necessary for optimal health and well-being. This leaves students with few choices, often resorting to quick and convenient options that are readily available but lacking in nutritional value.As a result, the diets of many students become imbalanced, consisting mainly of instant noodles, processed bread, and packaged snacks like biscuits. These food choices, although convenient and affordable, do not offer the necessary nutrients and can lead to poor health outcomes in the long run. Despite the presence of a few eateries in the mahallah and kuliyyah (residential and academic areas, respectively), students still encounter difficulties in accessing sufficient and nutritious food, particularly during the weekdays when time constraints are heightened.

Additionally, the severity of this issue escalates when students are not provided with sufficient food. Many students rely on the kuliyyah's cafes for breakfast if they have morning classes. Unfortunately, these cafes have limited hours of operation and close early, disregarding the fact that there are still numerous hungry students in need of a meal. Rather than considering the students' ongoing hunger, the cafes focus on depleting their food supply. I have personally witnessed situations where both cafes in the kuliyyah ran out of food while many students remained in line, eagerly awaiting their turn to be served. This highlights the need for improved accessibility and availability of food options for students throughout the day.

The repercussions of this issue have profound implications for students, forcing them into a difficult predicament where they must make choices regarding their meals within the mahallah. In such circumstances, students are left with the daunting decision of either hastily grabbing a meal or enduring hunger until they can return to the mahallah for their designated mealtime. However, this predicament becomes even more challenging for students who suffer from gastric problems, as skipping meals could have detrimental effects on their health and well-being.

In light of this pressing issue, it is my fervent hope that a comprehensive solution can be found. While we possess the necessary resources and capabilities, the primary obstacle lies in our lack of awareness regarding the specific challenges faced by our students. It is essential that we recognize and address these issues promptly to ensure the overall well-being of our student community. The significance of resolving these food-related issues becomes even more apparent when we consider recent research on gastric cancer in Malaysia. A comprehensive review of gastric cancer research in the country indicates a remarkable decline in incidence rates, with a reduction of 48% among males and 31% among females over a span of 13 years. These statistics serve as a stark reminder of the importance of implementing effective measures to handle food-related concerns and foster a healthy dietary environment within educational institutions.

Furthermore, addressing these challenges aligns with the broader global agenda outlined by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By prioritizing the resolution of food issues, we actively contribute to achieving SDG Goal 2: zero hunger, improved nutrition, and enhanced food security. It is imperative that we recognize the interconnectedness of these goals and the pivotal role that addressing food-related challenges plays in creating a more sustainable and equitable society.

In conclusion, it is crucial that we take swift action to address the food-related challenges faced by students within the mahallah. By doing so, we can ensure their well-being, support those with specific health conditions, and contribute to the broader goals of achieving zero hunger, enhancing nutrition, and establishing food security as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals. Let us work together to create an environment that prioritizes the health, nourishment, and academic success of all students.