University gifts 3,000 long-life meals to flood-hit communities
Prince of Songkla University (PSU) has delivered 3,000 boxes of ready-to-eat meals developed under its “Grab agro” brand to Silpakorn University, for distribution to people affected by the flooding.
The handover on Saturday was carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) as part of efforts to provide urgent assistance to flood victims.
Higher Education Minister Yotchanan Wongsawat, a deputy prime minister, said the delivery demonstrated how Thai research and innovation could provide practical support to society during times of crisis.
The meals are designed for use in disaster-hit areas, using production technology that makes the food sterile and allows it to be stored for up to 18 months without refrigeration.
Each meal is packed in a tray with separate compartments for rice and the accompanying dish and can be opened and eaten immediately, even in areas without electricity.
“I would like to commend and thank the PSU management team, as well as the Silpakorn University student council members who have opened a volunteer centre to pack relief bags for distribution in Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi and Suphan Buri,” Mr Yotchanan said.
“The ministry will continue to support Thai research and innovation as a force to help take care of people and work together to repair, rebuild and overcome every crisis,” he said.
The meals are commercially produced by PSU Agro Food Co, a holding company of PSU. The company developed the products from food innovation research conducted by Associate Professor Saowakon Watanachan and Korrwan Rodkhem of PSU’s faculty of agro-industry at its Hat Yai campus.
The researchers have accumulated expertise in developing food products for disaster relief since 2011.
The available meals include chicken massaman curry with rice, chicken panang curry with rice, sour curry with mackerel and rice, spicy fried catfish with rice, garlic chicken with rice, green chicken curry with rice and chicken stir-fried with holy basil and rice.
The products have received certification from Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Halal certification.
The latest delivery was led by PSU president Assistant Professor Niwat Kaewpradap, vice-president for student development Associate Professor Wirot Yuroong and acting director of the Division of Student Development Yaowalak Kunaworakul.
They handed the meals to Silpakorn University representatives led by vice-president for student affairs Associate Professor Supachai Tawichai and acting director of the Division of Student Affairs Wipada Poolthep.
People wishing to donate essential supplies, including drinking water, canned food, medicines and personal necessities, to support flood victims can contact 065-708-9935 or 098-474-4288, or reach out through the Silpakorn University Student Council’s social media channels.
Source – Bangkok News
