The Krishna devotees have expanded their “Food for Life” program in Eger to include student meals. As part of the initiative, which launched in March, students at Eszterházy Károly College are provided with a free hot lunch, which they can pick up on weekdays between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. at the Govinda Restaurant in Eger, upon presentation of a valid student ID. According to the organizers, interest in the program is growing day by day.

Krishna devotees consider it an important mission to help provide meals to those in need—including socially disadvantaged families, the elderly, and children—throughout Hungary. They promote physical and mental well-being by distributing food, operating free kitchens, assisting residents of disaster-stricken areas, and organizing school meal programs as needed.

For years, staff members at the “Food for Life” Program Office in Eger have been distributing 400 hot meals a day to local residents in need—that’s more than 100,000 hot meals a year! They place a strong emphasis on reducing child hunger, and many large families rely on their services every day.

Krishna devotees are now trying to come to the aid of families on a new front. The costs of education and living expenses for young students are an enormous burden for many families, However, the goal is for students to remain in school until they complete their vocational training or earn their degree and to focus on their studies; to do so, some students need help, This is the belief of Krishna devotees. The social program, established to ease the financial burden on students in higher education, operates year-round, but the greatest demand is expected during exam periods. Based on feedback, this support is a great help to college students. The majority of students are repeat and satisfied participants, and more and more are taking advantage of this free opportunity every day. The number of applicants exceeded 100 in the first few weeks alone, and this figure is expected to multiply by the end of the year.

In addition to a varied and healthy one-dish meal, students can also receive bread and, on occasion, a sweet treat; any student—regardless of major or whether they are on-campus or distance learners—can request this by presenting a valid student ID. The program’s organizers hope that their initiative will serve as a model and that more and more free student meal sites will open across the country.
The initiative is supported by the Hungarian Society for Krishna Consciousness and donations from the general public via the 1% personal income tax designation.

College students can take advantage of this service on weekdays between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. at Govinda Restaurant, located at 5 Tűzoltó tér.