KHON KAEN – Khon Kaen University (KKU) has officially launched the “KKU EGGS Lounge,” a free food distribution center aimed at supporting students facing financial hardship. Operating under the motto “A Full Stomach and a Warm Heart at the KKU Henhouse,” the initiative is a collaboration between the university, private sector partners, students, and alumni, reflecting a commitment that “no one will be left behind.”

The launch event took place on 2 December 2025 at the Student Development and Alumni Relations Division, led by Assoc. Prof. Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D, Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation. The ceremony was attended by university executives, representatives from CP Axtra PCL and Krungthai Bank PCL, alumni, and a large number of students.

Dr. Pensri explained that the project was born out of concern for students struggling with the rising cost of living, some of whom could not afford three meals a day. “Some students told us they couldn’t eat every meal… they would buy one box of food and have to split it into two meals,” she said. This reality prompted the university to create a solution to ensure students are well-fed and feel supported during difficult times.

The name “KKU EGGS Lounge” is symbolic. “Students are like ‘EGGS,’ waiting to be nurtured to grow with quality,” Dr. Pensri noted. The acronym EGGS represents the four core attributes of KKU students: Entrepreneurial, Global-minded, Growth-oriented, and Sustainable-focused. The lounge’s Thai name, “Lao Kai” (Henhouse), draws from Isaan culture, where a “lao” is a granary signifying food security. “This project is a hub of sharing that creates both security and a sense of safety for our students,” she added.

The KKU EGGS Lounge, located in front of the Student Development and Alumni Relations Division, provides free food to all KKU students on weekdays from approximately 8:00 a.m. onwards. The project has been in a pilot phase since August 2025, already serving thousands of students.

The initiative’s success is attributed to the “power of collaboration” from various sectors.

• Corporate Power: CP Axtra PCL is a key supporter, providing quality surplus food from its Makro and Lotus’s stores under its “Edible, Not Wasted” policy. This not only helps students but also reduces food waste, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Krungthai Bank PCL contributed snacks and drinks, and offered financial literacy guidance to students.
• Student Power: The project is driven by student volunteers from five core clubs who collect, prepare, and distribute the food to their peers each morning, fostering a spirit of giving and leadership.
• University and Community Power: In addition to initiating the project, KKU has received support from the 23rd Military Circle, whose band performed at the launch. The university also encourages ongoing support from staff and alumni to strengthen the program.

The KKU EGGS Lounge is more than a food pantry; it is the foundation of a robust sharing ecosystem within the university, where all parties can contribute to nurturing students and developing graduates who are ready to care for society.