Not-for-profit establishment World Food Movement (WFM) has commenced its mission in the U.S. It aims to address hunger and food insecurity among students and communities across the country. An inauguration was held on Sept. 28 at the Victoria Theatre, NJPAC in Newark.
The organization has commenced feeding in places including the Bay Area (California), New York, and New Jersey. The organization plans to extend its reach to Boston, Washington, D.C, Seattle and other locations to benefit more communities. Earlier this year, World Food Movement served over 7000 meals with a goal of serving 100,000 meals annually by 2027.
The inauguration program involved a musical fundraiser, with a performance by Abby V, an award-winning singer known for his fusions of Eastern and Western music. There was also a meet and greet with Chanchalapathi Dasa, co-founder and vice chairman of World Food Movement, leader of the Akshaya Patra Foundation, and co-mentor and vice chairman of the Global Hare Krishna Movement, Bangalore.
READ: World Food Movement hosts Abby V fundraiser in Newark to tackle hunger (September 4, 2025)
Naveena Neerada Dasa of ISKCON spoke during the event, noting how a significant section of people in the U.S. were food-insecure. He said WFM is aiming to serve one million meals in the U.S. by 2030. “We serve with one pledge – every meal would be delivered with respect, dignity, and care, with uncompromising quality,” he said.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka awarded a citation during the event, congratulating World Food Movement. He also said that the organization will be a major power to address food insecurity, and empower students and communities. Other attendees included 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 World Food Movement describes itself as “an endeavor to bring about a positive transformation in the lives of people through fresh, nutritious, and wholesome meals.” The initiative is inspired by The Akshaya Patra Foundation, the world’s largest NGO-run school lunch program serving fresh, nutritious meals to millions of children every day.
The organization is now led by Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa and Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa, who are also the founders of The Akshaya Patra Foundation in India. The vision for it started in 1966, when Srila Prabhupada arrived in America, and personally cooked and fed sumptuous meals to youth in New York, according to the organization.
During the inauguration, Shri Chanchalapathi Dasa said, “I extend my gratitude to everyone present at the inaugural event of World Food Movement. I wholeheartedly thank all our partners and well-wishers for making the event a success. We look forward to working with the government, college and university administrations, donors and all other stakeholders to serve the people of America. I am confident that with your support and encouragement, we can work towards fulfilling our vision that no one should go hungry.”