Al-Farabi KazNU Provides Sustainable, Vegetarian and Vegan Food Choices on Campus
Diverse Food Choices for Students and Staff
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University develops its campus dining system with consideration for healthy eating, dietary diversity and the individual needs of students and staff.
University cafeterias, canteens and other selected food outlets provide traditional Kazakh and European cuisine, dietary meals and food choices for people who follow vegetarian or vegan diets. Special dietary requirements associated with allergies and individual health needs are also taken into consideration. farabi.university
These measures are particularly important for Al-Farabi KazNU’s diverse community, which includes students from Kazakhstan and other countries with different cultural and dietary preferences.
Vegetarian, Vegan and Special Dietary Options
Campus dining facilities provide a range of food choices intended to meet different nutritional requirements and preferences.
Available choices include:
- vegetarian dishes;
- vegan food choices;
- special dietary meals;
- low-fat products;
- porridge and vegetable-based dishes;
- traditional Kazakh food;
- European and other international dishes;
- food choices adapted to individual dietary requirements.
Vegetarian and special dietary options are available in campus dining facilities, while the menus are regularly reviewed and updated. The University also monitors food quality and compliance with sanitary requirements. Quality and Comfort
The publicly available materials confirm the provision of vegetarian and vegan choices in university dining facilities but do not establish that every individual food outlet offers the same range at all times.
Affordable Food on Campus Project
Student feedback is an important part of improving campus food services.
On 2 October 2024, second-year students of the Faculty of Law conducted a survey as part of the social project “Affordable Food on Campus”. The initiative was organised by Professor G.A. Kuanaliyeva, Head of the Department of Customs, Financial and Environmental Law, and G.K. Rasheva, PhD and Senior Lecturer.
The survey examined the safety, affordability and variety of food available on campus. Participants noted the predominance of traditional cuisine and recommended expanding the range of vegetarian dishes.
The findings provided the University with direct feedback on students’ dietary preferences and areas in which campus menus could be improved.
Monitoring Students’ Dietary Needs
A further sociological study conducted in March 2025 examined students’ use of university dining facilities, food preferences, affordability and the need for specialised menus.
The study found that demand existed for vegetarian, gluten-free and dietary food choices. Students also identified menu diversity, balanced nutrition and affordability as important areas for further improvement.
The recommended measures included:
- introducing more balanced menus;
- expanding the range of healthy and specialised food choices;
- reviewing pricing approaches;
- improving dining infrastructure;
- taking students’ dietary preferences into account when updating menus. farabi.university
Campus Dining Infrastructure
Al-Farabi KazNU operates a network of canteens, cafeterias, cafés and buffets serving students, academic staff and employees.
Dining facilities are located in academic buildings, the Al-Farabi Library, the Keremet Student Service Centre, the Student Palace and other campus facilities. This network supports access to food across the campus and provides traditional, dietary and internationally inspired dishes at selected locations.
Students from low-income families, orphans and people with disabilities may also receive free meals through the University’s social support arrangements. farabi.university
Sustainable and Responsible Food Practices
Al-Farabi KazNU links healthy campus dining with environmental responsibility. Official University materials state that campus cafeterias use environmentally friendly and locally sourced products and provide vegetarian and special dietary choices.
Offering plant-based food choices, responding to dietary needs and using student feedback to improve menus contribute to a healthier and more inclusive campus dining environment.
Through its dining facilities, surveys and menu-development activities, Al-Farabi KazNU continues to improve access to sustainable food choices for students and staff.
Official Documents and Resources
- Student Survey under the Affordable Food on Campus Project
- Campus Dining Facilities – Quality and Comfort
- Campus Canteens and Cafeterias
- Healthy and Affordable Food on Campus: Study Results
Original Publication
The original material, “A Student Survey Was Conducted under the Affordable Food on Campus Social Project,” was published on the official Al-Farabi KazNU website on 22 October 2024. farabi.university