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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MAY 08, 2026 | The Indian Eye 32

holistic development. This is the im- munity.”
pact that fresh, nutritious meals can Representing the voices of ben-
make. We aspire to serve 1 million eficiary students, Ms Rhoda Wilson,
cumulative meals by 2030, and we Student and Vice President of Stu-
look forward to increased community dent Government, College of Staten
engagement, which will enhance the Island, said, “As a representative for
efficiency of our program.” students and as a student myself, I
Amb. Binaya Pradhan said, “I just want to say it has been amazing
found the concept of World Food to have access to free hot meals that
Movement very compelling and was have been provided by the World
happy to attend its launch event in Food Movement. Having food that is
2025. When I heard the stories of im- both deliciously filling and available
pact by the local leaders from commu- at the location where I spend most
nity colleges and other stakeholders, I of my time out of the week, while
decided that I would love to do any- dealing with food insecurity, is such
thing to promote such a noble cause. a great benefit. Rarely now do I have
The Indian tradition of An- to worry about choosing between two
nadaan (food donation) is several necessities. Words are not enough to
millennia old, rooted in the idea that express my gratitude for your serious
food is sacred and life-sustaining. And efforts to provide quality and quanti-
Srila Prabhupada rightly resolved Akshaya Patra, will create a similar Mr Robert Kee, Assistant Direc- ty nutrition for our students.”
that nobody within a ten-mile radi- impact and contribute to alleviating tor of Student Life program at Col- Sri Naveena Neerada Dasa said,
us of his centres should go hungry. hunger here in the United States. lege of Staten Island, said, “I want “Today’s ‘No One Hungry’ event is
The Akshaya Patra Foundation I invite the Indian diaspora and the to thank the World Food Movement an excellent opportunity for us to
was founded in 2000 by Sri Madhu leaders here to join and support this for your partnership and leadership. discuss improving food and nutrition
Pandit Dasa and Sri Chanchalapathi great initiative in whichever way you Your support is helping us close the security in America. I thank the Con-
Dasa, with a modest number of 1500 can. critical gap in student services and sulate General of India and Amb.
students benefiting in 5 schools. And WFM’s mission to feed one mil- move closer to a campus where no Binaya Pradhan for hosting this
today, more than 2 million children in lion meals by 2030 is praiseworthy. student has to choose between their event. I also thank all the leaders,
India are benefiting every day. This We are truly honored that we are be- education and their next meal. To- donors, well-wishers and colleges for
is a great example of a public-private coming a part of this large story which gether, we are not only addressing their participation. We invite every-
partnership, systematic compassion, is unfolding before our eyes. My com- hunger. We are building an opportu- one to join us in our feeding mission
and sustainable social innovation. I pliments, prayers and best wishes for nity to provide dignity and a stronger and contribute to building a hun-
am confident that WFM, inspired by its success.” future for our leaders and our com- ger-free America.”

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