In a major initiative to address hunger and food insecurity in the United States, the World Food Movement (WFM), a not-for-profit organization, officially launched on September 28, 2025, at the Victoria Theatre, New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, New Jersey.

Inspired by the Akshaya Patra Foundation in India, the world’s largest NGO-run school lunch program serving millions of children daily, WFM seeks to extend similar support to vulnerable communities and students in America. The effort is led by Madhu Pandit Dasa and Chanchalapathi Dasa, the founders of Akshaya Patra.

Naveena Dasa, Executive Director of WFM and Akshaya Patra Foundation, highlighted that the movement’s roots lie in India, where over 5 billion meals have been served to children to ensure no one studies hungry.

“Last year, we were honored to celebrate the serving of 4 billion meals at United Nations in New York. And that’s when many leaders asked us why not feed in America? Hunger exists here too,” he said. “Even more Indian American families, especially the children who are raised here asked us, we live here, we study here, we work here, and now we want to serve here.”

A pilot program earlier this year in New York, New Jersey, and California received an enthusiastic response. “I’m happy to share that we have served about 10,000 meals across East and West Coast till date. Our next goal is to feed about 50,000 meals in next one year, and then 100,000. And, with your help, we plan to feed 1 million meals by 2030,” Naveena added.

The launch drew distinguished guests, including Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, New Jersey Assemblyman Sterley Stanley, Mayor of Newark Ras Baraka, President of Medgar Evers College Patricia Ramsey, and other leaders. WFM Co-founder and Vice Chairman Chanchalapathi Dasa presided over the event.

The program opened with a performance by internationally acclaimed singer Abby V, who enthralled the audience with a mix of devotional songs and contemporary music. He sang songs such as Maadu Meikum Kanne, Aigiri Nandini, and Swagatham Krishna. Abby also sang his newly released “Brahmakalsha” song from Kantara. 

“I’ve had the fortune of working very closely with the Akshaya Patra Foundation,” he said, congratulating WFM for extending its mission to U.S. communities.

Mayor Baraka who presented a citation to WFM, noted “the organization will be a major power to address food insecurity and empower students and communities.”

Consul General Pradhan called WFM “a wonderful initiative, inspired by Srila Prabhupada’s vision of a hunger-free world,” adding that the program would bring dignity to those in need. Recalling his prior posting in Africa, he admitted, “Frankly speaking, I am coming from Africa. I didn’t know that there is hunger in United States. For me, it was kind of a revelation. And I’m so happy that you are even launching an initiative to address that.”

In his virtual address, Madhu Pandit Dasa expressed joy over WFM’s U.S. debut. “We will dedicate all our energies and resources to serve the people in this country, targeting a life of dignity, good health and happiness. I invite everyone to join us in our mission to build a hunger-free world,” he said.

Chanchalapathi Dasa added, “This is the beginning of a simple but impactful initiative to provide hot, nutritious meals to students and communities… If a nourishing meal enables a student on a college campus to focus on academics and save time from an avoidable campus job, we consider our humble efforts to be successful.”

He emphasized collaboration with government agencies, universities, donors, and stakeholders to expand WFM’s reach nationwide. “I am confident that with your support and encouragement, we can work towards fulfilling our vision that no one should go hungry,” he added. 

The movement also honors the legacy of Srila Prabhupada, founder of ISKCON, who in 1966 began personally cooking and feeding meals to youth in New York, an act of compassion that planted the seeds for today’s initiative.

Assemblyman Stanley presented a joint resolution to Chanchalapathi, praising WFM for transforming lives on campuses and urging students to learn the importance of giving back.

President Patricia Ramsey of Medgar Evers College applauded the effort, recalling her own struggles as a student. “People think of college students as living in luxury, but the reality is many are struggling just to eat,” she said, adding that access to food is essential to dignity and academic success.

Sonali Deshpande, Chairperson of Persistent Foundation, said, “It is an honor for Persistent Foundation US to partner with World Food Movement in their mission to ensure access to nutritious meals for students and communities.” She emphasized the alignment with education, community development, and sustainability goals.

Beneficiaries also shared their gratitude. Fatima, a single mother studying at Medgar Evers, said fresh, nutritious meals will help her stay focused on education. Another student, Alia, noted that the program relieves a major burden, giving students strength to pursue their goals.

The initiative is supported by Persistent Foundation US (the CSR arm of Persistent Systems) and Wealth Planning Advisory Group, underscoring broad community backing for WFM’s vision of a hunger-free America.

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