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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline OCTOBER 17, 2025 | The Indian Eye 26

World Food Movement Launches Mission

to End Hunger Across the US

OUR BUREAU
Newark, NJ
he World Food Movement, a not-for-prof-
it organization established to provide food
Tassistance to students and communities in
the United States, was inaugurated on September
28, 2025, at the Victoria Theatre, NJPAC, Newark.
Inspired by The Akshaya Patra Foundation—the
world’s largest NGO-run school lunch program—
the initiative aims to fight hunger and food insecuri-
ty across America.
The organization has already commenced feed-
ing programs in the Bay Area (California), New
York, and New Jersey, with plans to expand to Bos-
ton, Washington D.C., Seattle, and other regions.
Earlier this year, it served over 7,000 meals and now
targets 100,000 meals annually by 2027.
The roots of this movement trace back to 1966,
when Srila Prabhupada, founder of ISKCON, ar-
rived in America and personally cooked and served
meals to the youth in New York—an act of compas-
sion that inspired the mission’s philosophy.
The World Food Movement is led by Sri Mad-
hu Pandit Dasa and Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa, who
also founded Akshaya Patra in India. Leveraging
more than 25 years of feeding experience, the team
will apply proven models of large-scale food deliv-
ery to serve communities across the U.S.
The launch event was attended by Shri Binaya
Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New
York; Dr. Patricia Ramsey, President of Medgar
Evers College; and several dignitaries from across
the U.S. The Honorable Ras J. Baraka, Mayor of
Newark, presented a citation commending the ini-
tiative, saying the organization “will be a major pow-
er to address food insecurity and empower students
and communities.”
Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa, Co-founder and Vice
Chairman of World Food Movement, presided over
the ceremony. The event featured a performance by ergies and resources to serve people in this country,
Abby V, an internationally acclaimed singer known targeting a life of dignity, good health, and happi-
for fusing classical and contemporary music. ness. I invite everyone to join us in building a hun-
Support for the initiative came from Persistent ger-free world.” tious meals. This collaboration aligns with our com-
Foundation US, the CSR arm of Persistent Systems, Chanchalapathi Dasa thanked partners and at- mitment to education, community development,
and the Wealth Planning Advisory Group, which tendees, adding: “We look forward to working with and sustainability.”
partnered in organizing the event. governments, universities, donors, and all stake- Several beneficiaries attended the event. Fatima,
Consul General Pradhan praised the effort: holders to ensure no one goes hungry in America.” a single mother from Medgar Evers, said nutritious
“World Food Movement is a wonderful initiative in- New Jersey Assemblyman Stanley issued a joint meals help her stay focused on her studies. Alia, an-
spired by Srila Prabhupada’s vision of a hunger-free resolution commending the movement, calling it a other student, shared that the initiative “lifts a huge
world. For 18 months, I have watched its founders transformative force on campuses and urging stu- burden” and gives her strength to pursue her goals.
shape a movement of dignity. Just listening to a dents to participate in giving back. Founded in 2025, World Food Movement builds
Harlem beneficiary say, ‘This meal is my breakfast, Dr. Patricia Ramsey of Medgar Evers College on Akshaya Patra’s scalable and replicable feeding
lunch and dinner,’ shows the deep impact this pro- highlighted the importance of food access for stu- model. Using state-of-the-art kitchens that meet
gram is making. Helping young people in this way dents: “People think college students live comfort- the highest hygiene standards, the organization will
truly embodies the Indian ethic of Vasudhaiva Ku- ably, but many struggle just to eat. Providing fresh also support food relief efforts during emergencies.
tumbakam—the world is one family. I have no doubt food ensures dignity and academic success.” Guided by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta
one million meals will be achieved before 2030.” Sonali Deshpande, Chairperson of Persistent Swami Prabhupada’s vision that “no one should go
Madhu Pandit Dasa expressed optimism about Foundation US, said, “It is an honor to partner with hungry,” the World Food Movement seeks to make
the organization’s mission: “We dedicate all our en- World Food Movement in ensuring access to nutri- that dream a reality—one meal at a time.

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