Over 500,000 yuan ($78,500) in funds was raised as of last Wednesday, according to the university.

All containers were provided by members of the foundations affiliated with the university, including RT-Mart China, a supermarket chain headquartered in China's Taiwan, and the university's alumni.

"I hope to help the university get through the situation and the young generations learn more about how they can have eco-friendly meals," said Chen who donated 200,000 yuan to the fund.

Cai Xuewen, a postgraduate from the school of Marxism, said he is grateful for the meal containers as they help students save on the cost of disposable lunch boxes.