NCKU Dorm Midterm Care × Shu-Dong PO Plant Market Attracts Over a Hundred Participants-國立成功大學永續發展SDGs

To help ease students’ pre-exam stress and encourage dormitory residents, the Housing Services Division of National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) organizes midterm or final care events every semester. This semester, in collaboration with Fo Guang Shan, the university held the Dormitory Midterm Care × "Shu-Dong PO" Plant-Based Market on April 16 in front of the Student Activity Center. By combining midterm care activities with the promotion of plant-based culture, the event aimed to enhance students’ understanding of plant-based diets and attracted over a hundred enthusiastic faculty members and students.


In her speech, Executive Vice President Yuh-Neu Chen noted that with growing attention to healthy eating and environmental sustainability, plant-based diets have evolved beyond mere dietary choices to become a proactive lifestyle practice. She expressed her sincere gratitude to Fo Guang Shan for their support and collaboration in integrating plant-based culture promotion into the midterm care event. She highlighted that amidst students' busy academic schedules, this event offered an opportunity to gain deeper insights into healthy eating while enjoying the richness and diversity of plant-based cuisine. Vice President Chen emphasized that the timing, coinciding with midterm exams, was carefully chosen to combine the Midterm Care Event with the "Shu-Dong PO" Plant-Based Market. Dormitory students received food vouchers, allowing them to select a variety of creative plant-based dishes on-site. "This is not just a feast for the taste buds, but also a practical commitment to caring for our planet and ourselves," she said, encouraging all faculty and students to explore the limitless possibilities of plant-based living and move together towards a healthier, more sustainable future.


At the event, several plant-based food trucks offered a variety of delicious dishes, including fresh fruits, plant-based shawarma, vegetarian noodles, and specialty beverages, allowing participants to experience the diversity of plant-based cuisine. In addition, a tea ceremony area was set up where participants could draw a "Life Guidance Card" and receive on-site explanations and inspiration from Buddhist monks. Students from the Fo Guang Shan Tsung Lin University gave musical performances and shared life stories, deeply touching the audience and creating a warm, heartfelt atmosphere.


Student Lee, from the College of Engineering, shared, "With the heavy academic workload and midterms approaching, having a food market event right on campus was incredibly convenient and refreshing — it was truly wonderful!" Student Chang, from the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, added, "The combination of Buddhist teachings and music was especially memorable and gave me new insights into life. The tea ceremony experience was also unique. The entire event was full of positive energy!"


The organizers arranged for vibrant stage performances during the event, and the beautiful singing echoed across the campus, drawing many passersby to stop and listen. This event was not only a midterm care initiative for dormitory residents but also a celebration of delicious plant-based foods, music, and life-sharing stories, encouraging young people to recognize their personal impact, boost their morale during exams, relieve stress, and enhance their motivation to learn. Supported by 15 plant-based food vendors, the event offered a wide variety of meal options and created a meaningful and joyful afternoon. The long queues in front of the food trucks and the lively discussions around the tea ceremony area reflected the success and impact of the event.