Meet Krishna Lunch: A small food truck that became a lifeline for hungry LA students with just $5 meals

Food insecurity is one of the most rising areas of concern in the US. The rising cost of living and groceries in the country has made it difficult to ensure all meals are on the table in homes across the country.

As per 2024 data from Food Research & Action Center, about one in seven households experienced food insecurity, meaning an estimated 47.9% million were subjected to hunger. In this situation, many people and institutions have begun volunteer support to help feed families and individuals in the US with delicious, free meals. One such sparkling ray of hope in Los Angeles is Krishna Lunch, a food truck located outside the University of California in Le Conte Avenue, Westwood.Owned by Govinda Datta, CEO and President of Krishna Lunch the colourful trademark truck serves students and community members with affordable, vegetarian lunches.

Inspired by faith and service

"We are here trying to help battle food insecurity," said Datta to Daily Bruin. He is a dedicated Hare Krishna member of ISKCON, an international society for Krishna consciousness and a Hindu devotional movement centred around Lord Krishna and his ideals.

"I ran into Krishna in the early 70s, the Beatles were singing about Krishna. So the more I researched the more I liked it. I really liked the idea of Karma," he said. He shared his aim to promote the Bhagvad Gita, on which the lunch is based.Krishna Lunch serves pure sattvic food for a small donation of $5. However, Datta welcomes even those who can not afford the donation, for a meal. He revealed that the menu of the truck is based on the ancient writings of Ayurveda, which recommend a combination of "veggies, grains and beans." He and another volunteer Shantatma wake up at 5:30 am every day and reach home by 7 pm to be able to serve the project five days a week. The food truck follows a fixed menu schedule from Monday to Friday."Food is a gift, that's our motivation," he added while quoting LA Times which stated that 20% of students skip food because of money and 42% are food insecure.

Affordable and vegetarian meals

Numerous students from the university flock to the truck. While some arrive in search of affordable meals, others are attracted by the Indian and vegetarian dishes."The first day I came it was really interesting for me to find a vegan, vegetarian-friendly food place right near the campus, and that too for like, $5," shared Aman Mehta, an Indian-origin student at the university. "I don't think you can find that anywhere in LA," he added.Morani Kornberg, another frequent customer appreciated the business model for not only feeding individuals in a "healthy manner" but also the community. "I am hoping UCLA starts catering some of the lunch over there, because it's just so good," added Rajan Saggar, a frequent customer.

Social media praise

Social media users who frequent the truck that has been serving in the area for the past three years had nothing but good to say about its service. "This place is so delish and the guy running the truck is so kind!!," wrote one user."So so good. I always tipped extra and bought their desserts as well.

Glad to see they are still there!" appreciated another. At a time when rising costs are forcing many students to skip meals, Krishna Lunch has quietly become more than just a food truck. For many in Westwood, it represents community, compassion, and the power of small acts of service, proving that sometimes a simple $5 meal can make a meaningful difference.