World Food Movement Launches U.S. Student Meal Program with Medgar Evers College Partnership

by T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman September 23, 2025

By T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman September 23, 2025 0 comments 3 minutes read

PHOTO: World Food Movement

The World Food Movement (WFM), a non-profit initiative dedicated to expanding access to freshly prepared, nourishing meals, will officially inaugurate its student and community meal program in the United States on September 28, 2025, at the Victoria Theatre, NJPAC, Newark, New Jersey.

As part of this launch, WFM has partnered with Medgar Evers College in New York, marking the institution as the first New York school to collaborate with the global initiative. Students and staff at the college recently received freshly cooked meals through the program and expressed their appreciation for the effort.

On its official website, the Transition Academy at Medgar Evers College announced its partnership with WFM, noting that hot meals will be distributed on campus during Club Hours so that students can benefit without missing classes.

Dr. Waleek Boone, Director of the Transition Academy, emphasized the significance of the initiative noting “The Transitional Academy was created in 2017 to support students facing hardship. We provide wraparound services to help ensure they stay on track, graduate on time, and improve their living conditions.”

“We don’t want them to have to choose between buying a MetroCard and buying groceries. The partnership with the World Food Movement truly goes hand in hand with our mission,” Dr. Boone said adding that the initiative will allow students to access hot meals daily, helping them stay focused on academics while easing financial stress.

Students at Medgar Evers also expressed their gratitude. Mahalia Francis, the daughter of a truck driver, said “This meal is really helpful. I sometimes go to the pantry to get food, but this meal is healthy and nutritious. Receiving nutritious meals like this helps me focus better on my studies.”

Pre-nursing student Marissa Gouverne, who lives nearby, echoed the sentiment. “Usually I eat a protein bar before coming for classes. However, today there was something fresh served. This access to hot, nutritious meals will help me concentrate in my class,” she said.

The initiative has also received strong support from leaders and dignitaries. Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, called WFM “a wonderful initiative,” stating “I am glad that this non-profit will serve freshly cooked meals to those in need, addressing such a crucial challenge. This program is inspired by Srila Prabhupada’s vision of a hunger-free world.”

He congratulated Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa and Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa, founders of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, for establishing World Food Movement, noting their leadership and selfless service have already touched millions of lives in India.

“I am confident that this initiative will do the same here in the United States,” he added.

The September 28 inaugural event will be attended by Consul General Pradhan, Newark Deputy Mayor Ligia De Freitas, Medgar Evers College President Dr. Patricia Ramsey, and World Food Movement Co-Founder and Vice Chairman Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa, along with prominent community leaders from across the U.S.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa said “We are happy to launch World Food Movement in the US to serve the students and other communities of this wonderful country.”

WFM’s U.S. programs are already underway in New Jersey, New York, and California, with plans for expansion nationwide. Drawing on the large-scale meal distribution model pioneered by the Akshaya Patra Foundation, WFM aims to bring healthy meals to campuses and communities, strengthening bonds and promoting collective well-being.