Through the signing of an agreement between the Mayor of San Salvador de Jujuy, Raúl “Chuli” Jorge, and the Rector of the National University of Jujuy (UNJu), Mario César Bonillo, the possibility of providing and facilitating access was established of the students of that academic institution to a University Economic Menu (MECU) in the Central Market “6 de Agosto”. This program seeks to contribute to the well-being and adequate nutrition of university students.
After the signing of the agreement, Mayor Jorge highlighted UNJu’s commitment to quality public education and student problems, emphasizing that “the opening of student dining halls has been a fundamental part of the university history of our country. For the municipality it is an honor to accompany UNJu in this initiative, providing coverage to students who need it and promoting community spaces such as the 6 de Agosto Market.”
For his part, Rector Mario César Bonillo thanked the municipality and his team for their constant concern for the university and Jujuy community. “Our university has a lot to contribute, especially in these times of crisis that affect our students. This agreement is a first step to offer an economical and high-quality menu, with the technical support of our food and food science career.”
The agreement establishes that the beneficiaries will be UNJu students enrolled in the 2024 academic year, who will be able to access the MECU in twelve participating businesses/restaurants.
Alba Ortiz, administrator of the “6 de Agosto” Central Market, expressed her enthusiasm for this initiative, “we contacted the stallholders, who were willing to offer this very important product for university students in this critical situation that the country is going through.” .
The vice-rector of UNJu, Liliana Bergesio, highlighted the relevance of the project in the midst of the economic crisis, “as everyone knows, national universities have been going through a very difficult crisis in recent months, since the new government took office, in that sense , one of the things that were heavily affected in the budget are university scholarships. Thanks to the collaboration of the Central Market and the Municipality, we can offer an economic alternative for our students. This market, modernized and strategic, is a meeting place and pride for the people of Jujuy.”
The system, operational starting Monday the 16th, will allow students to select a business within the market through a telephone application, obtaining lunches at almost half the usual price. Javier Martínez, Dean of the Faculty of Economic Sciences, supported the initiative, highlighting its importance for the academic community: “This social function of assisting the most vulnerable with the issue of food is crucial for our students.”
Emanuel Caballero, in charge of Institutional Relations at UNJu, detailed the process to access the affordable student menus, “students must register on the university website to reserve their menu at any of the participating businesses. In addition, they will have a nutritionist who will evaluate the gastronomic options to ensure adequate nutrition.”
Finally, Caballero informed the students that they will be able to resolve any questions through the university website, the Welfare Secretariat or the Administration of the “6 de Agosto” Central Market.
