MILPITAS, Calif. (Diya TV) — A local nonprofit is tackling a growing national issue—college student hunger. Sattvic Meals Foundation, based in Milpitas, California, is on a mission to provide one million free, nutritious, vegetarian meals annually to students across the United States by 2030.

With food insecurity affecting nearly half of community college students, Sattvic Meals Foundation aims to fill the gap by offering hot, healthy meals that help students focus and thrive. The nonprofit officially launched its program in the Bay Area, and its efforts are already making an impact on local campuses.

Founded by the same leaders behind Akshaya Patra—the world’s largest school meal program—Sattvic Meals Foundation brings a proven model to the United States. Akshaya Patra has served more than 4 billion meals to schoolchildren in India and was recognized by the United Nations in 2024 for its global impact. Sattvic Meals Foundation builds on this legacy. Its goal is clear: no student should ever have to choose between tuition, rent, and food.

“Hunger is a real problem on college campuses,” said Siva Sivaraman, a member of the national board of directors. “Our vision is simple—no student goes hungry on campuses.”

The nonprofit recently launched pilot programs at De Anza College and West Valley College. In just a few weeks, they served over 540 meals to more than 300 students. The foundation also ran a soft pilot at West Valley College, delivering 140 hot meals in a single day. These early results show both the urgent need for meals and the potential for large-scale impact.

“Students were excited and grateful,” said Rekha Prodduturi, executive director of Sattvic Meals Foundation. “Many of them told us how helpful it was to receive a fresh, warm meal during their busy school day.”

The foundation plans to expand to more community colleges in the coming months. With every meal, they hope to help students focus on their studies rather than where their next meal will come from. The meals provided by Sattvic Meals Foundation follow a vegetarian diet rooted in sattvic principles—foods that promote clarity, calmness, and energy. This approach supports not just physical health but also mental well-being.

“Our meals are freshly prepared, nutritious, and 100% vegetarian,” said Vijay Datt, president of Sattvic Meals Foundation. “We want to give students food that supports their body and mind.”

All meals are free to students who need them. The program runs with the support of volunteers, community donations, and local partnerships.

Sattvic Meals Foundation’s long-term goal is to serve one million meals each year by the end of the decade. To do that, the organization is building a network of donors, volunteers, and colleges across the country. The team believes that student hunger is a solvable problem—one that can be addressed with compassion, planning, and community support.

“This is more than just food,” said Prodduturi. “It’s about giving students the fuel they need to stay in school, focus in class, and build a better future.”

The foundation welcomes support from individuals and organizations alike. Donations help fund meal ingredients, cooking supplies, and distribution. Volunteers assist with food service, outreach, and logistics on campuses.