In the face of increasing food prices and economic challenges, Isabela State University (ISU) through its Cauayan Campus continues to uphold its commitment to student health and wellness by ensuring that nutritious and affordable meals remain accessible to everyone within the campus. The campus’ food court is an evidence of the University’s mission to promote healthy eating habits, food safety, and sustainability through inclusive and practical food options.

The University actively supports its food vendors in offering balanced meals priced between ₱55 and ₱60, each consisting of rice, vegetables, and meat. These affordable options allow students to enjoy nutritious meals that meet their daily dietary needs without straining their budget, reflecting ISU’s enduring commitment to inclusivity and student well-being.

For students like Rowie Apostol, a first-year college student, the presence of healthy and low-cost food choices on campus has made a tangible difference. “Madali [pumili] since marami kang pagpipilian. And if healthy eater ka talaga, marami kang puwedeng bilhin,” he shared. He also noted that eating at the food court has helped him save money and time while maintaining a healthier lifestyle—an advantage especially meaningful for students balancing academic and personal responsibilities.

Despite the rising costs of ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and liquefied petroleum gas, food court vendors have remained firm in their goal of providing affordable and healthy meals. One of them, Leilani Romero, owner of Lanie’s Ladle, shared that the initiative benefits not only students but also the vendors and their local suppliers. “Nagkakaroon kami ng friendly connection ng mga bata. Yung mga customer [at supplier] ko, mga kaibigan ko na sila,” she said.

Romero believes that selling healthy and affordable food builds more than just good physical health—it fosters trust, safety, and positive relationships among students, sellers, and suppliers. This close-knit system strengthens the community and reflects ISU’s inclusive approach to campus development.

The ISU Cauayan food court demonstrates that eating healthy does not have to be expensive. By making balanced and nutritious meals available at reasonable prices, the University helps students move away from the common reliance on instant or processed food, particularly among boarders and busy students.

This initiative also promotes food sustainability by encouraging partnerships with local suppliers, supporting regional livelihoods, and reducing transportation-related carbon emissions. Through these measures, ISU reinforces its role as a model institution for sustainable and health-conscious campus living.

Content and Photo Credits: The Kawayan Communicator