Concern over food security issues has encouraged a group of students from Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) to become directly involved in a social action program alongside the Nasi Darurat Jogja community. Through this initiative, the students not only studied the issues of hunger and food accessibility from an academic perspective but also made a tangible contribution toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger.

The activity began with an in-depth interview with the founder of Nasi Darurat Jogja on May 1, 2026. Through the discussion, the students gained insight into the various challenges faced by vulnerable groups in meeting their daily food needs. Nasi Darurat Jogja itself was established in January 2023, inspired by the founder’s personal experiences and the story of a university student in Yogyakarta who struggled to survive on inadequate food due to economic hardship. The story serves as a reminder that hunger remains a reality within society and requires collective attention and action.

In carrying out its mission, Nasi Darurat Jogja has developed a unique service model using a WhatsApp-based digital approach. This method allows individuals in need of food assistance to access support without losing their dignity or feeling uncomfortable about asking for help directly.

A representative of the Nasi Darurat Jogja team explained the standards applied to every meal package distributed to beneficiaries: “The main requirement is that the food must be halal, proper, and enjoyable to eat, complete with rice, vegetables, and side dishes.”

The spirit of humanity and solidarity demonstrated by the community inspired UNY students to take part in the initiative. Setya Latifa Habiburrahma, Emy Wulandari, and Dian Ratih Alfianti, together with their team, distributed meal packages to waste pickers and other vulnerable community members in the Malioboro area and at a major intersection near Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM).

Although the food assistance provided cannot fully solve the broader issues of malnutrition and poverty, the activity represents a meaningful step toward helping people meet their basic nutritional needs. In addition to supporting SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), the initiative also contributes to SDG 1 (No Poverty) by improving the welfare of vulnerable groups and easing some of their daily burdens.

The collaborative action demonstrates the important role students can play as agents of social change. Through direct engagement with the community, they not only develop social awareness and empathy but also help create practical solutions to humanitarian challenges.

The program further highlights the commitment of the UNY academic community to implementing the values of the Sustainable Development Goals through concrete actions that benefit society. It is hoped that similar movements will continue to grow and involve more stakeholders, ensuring sustainable access to adequate and nutritious food for all members of society.

This initiative directly supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by providing access to nutritious meals for vulnerable individuals experiencing food insecurity. It also contributes to SDG 1 (No Poverty) by helping reduce the immediate burden faced by economically disadvantaged groups. Furthermore, the collaboration promotes SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through cooperation between university students and community-based organizations in addressing social challenges. By encouraging civic engagement and social responsibility among young people, the program also strengthens community resilience and inclusive development.