Sustainable Food Security and Operations Standardization at UDM: Research Insights

By: Dr. Leila R. Gano

Two comprehensive studies conducted by Ma. Felma Carlos-Tria, Ed.D., Leila R. Gano, Ph.D., Ed.D., Alistair B. Selorio, M.A.Ed., and Mary Jane Gonzales, Ph.D. focused on the UDM C.A.R.E.S. (Crisis Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) initiative at Universidad de Manila.

The first study, The UDM C.A.R.E.S. Model: A University-Led Approach to Sustainable Food Security, utilized qualitative methods such as semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of the community-driven, volunteer-led food assistance program. Findings highlighted that community involvement, flexible donor management, and integration into university policies are critical factors ensuring the sustainability of the initiative without reliance on monetary aid.

The second research, Developing a Sustainable Operations Manual for University-Led Food Security Program: A Case Study of UDM C.A.R.E.S., focused on addressing operational challenges through the creation of a structured operations manual. The study identified inefficiencies in donation consistency, storage management, and volunteer coordination, and provided standardized guidelines to improve implementation.

Collectively, these studies underscore the viability of structured volunteerism and institutional collaboration in effectively addressing student food insecurity, offering a replicable framework and policy recommendations for other institutions aiming for sustainable and community-driven solutions.