The organization celebrates a year of nourishing college students, having served 70,000 meals across the United States
Our Bureau
Skillman, NJ
World Food Movement (WFM) marked the first anniversary of its campus feeding initiative at its Annual Gala, bringing together college presidents, business leaders, philanthropists, donors, and students at Princeton Farms & Preserves in Skillman, New Jersey on October 10, 2026.
Launched in September 2025, WFM works to address food insecurity among college students across the United States, providing access to nutritious meals.
Welcoming guests, Sri Shuklambhara Dasa, President of World Food Movement New Jersey, reflected on the organization’s founding in 2025 and its inspiration in Srila Prabhupada’s vision of a world where no one goes hungry.
Dr Timothy G. Lynch, President of the College of Staten Island (CSI), City University of New York (CUNY), shared the initiative’s impact on his campus, emphasising the importance of providing meals that are “free, yet with dignity.” He noted that food pantry use at CSI has grown from a few hundred students to approximately 2,500 over three years.
Smt. Bhavani Parameswar, President of Indivate(ITC group), spoke on compassion having no prescribed direction, noting that an initiative rooted in India is now nourishing students in America.
Providing a broader perspective on the initiative’s approach and future, Sri Naveena Neerada Dasa, Executive Director of World Food Movement USA, described how the model draws on the leaders’ 25 years of experience serving 2.35 million meals a day in India through Akshaya Patra. He also outlined the movement’s plans to expand its campus partnerships and extend its reach to more students in need.
Keynote speaker, Sri Deepak Raj, Chair of the India Philanthropy Alliance and Pratham USA, encouraged guests to deepen their philanthropic engagement and urged guests to give to their Karma Bhoomi alongside their Matru Bhoomi.
A fireside chat moderated by Pradnya Haldipur, Strategic Advisor to World Food Movement, brought the initiative’s impact to life through the personal story of Ms. Leanne Maldonado, a recent (CSI) graduate, who shared how the WFM program supported her throughout her studies as a working mother of two.
The celebration concluded with dinner and a performance by Carnatic fusion artist Hrishi, bringing together an evening of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the cause of food security.
To date, World Food Movement has served 70,000 meals across the United States, marking an important milestone in its mission to ensure that no student has to face the challenges of hunger while pursuing education. The organization aims to expand its college partnerships from five to 10 campuses across New Jersey and New York in 2027.