Staying true to ISKCON’s Founder Acharya, AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s, vision that peace and prosperity be brought to the world through the distribution of sanctified vegetarian meals prepared with love and devotion, ISKCON Melbourne has continued to reach wide and far taking part in the distribution of nutritious free vegetarian meals. 

Maintaining the goal, also expressed by their Founder, that no one within a 10-mile radius from an ISKCON centre should go hungry the Melbourne Hare Krishnas are also distributing their delicious vegetarian meals, delighting many Melbournians.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Melbourne Temple had been distributing hundreds of free vegetarian meals for those in need through the Temple property, as well as providing budget meals through the Hare Krishna Movement’s three city restaurants.

With restrictions coming into place for Melbourne they decided to reach out to the community in new ways. A delivery program was started and Hare Krishna Food for Life now delivers meals daily to those in need, those affected by the pandemic and has also developed an online ordering system to satisfy those who still wish to order the meals that are no longer able to go into the restaurants. The Food for Life Program continues to provide daily meals to those in need for free. 

Melbourne Food for Life distributes meals with contactless delivery to elders, children, students, the unemployed, as well as people who are isolated or in quarantine, and anyone in need. So far, more than 8000 meals have been distributed with more than 133 people benefited. A clear pursuit to help people reflects their compassion and desire to serve the community.

Reviews by recipients of these meals has said it all. Messages of thanks, gratitude and appreciation has flooded the team and both recipients and service providers hearts have been touched.

“The food is very delicious, and you are a life saver”

“Thank you so much for what you do for us. You cannot imagine the relief you give us with the meals”

“I just wanted to thank you all for such wonderful prasadam (sanctified food). You guys are awesome. I will order again this week” 

“Thanks so much for the food and goodies. I really appreciate your help in this time of crisis”

The system is safe, simple and effective. People send an SMS and their eligibility is checked, once confirmed the nutritious meals (prepared daily by cooks and volunteers) are set out to the persons residence.

On delivery, the person receives an SMS that their meal has arrived and they are able to receive it contact free! 

This Hare Krishna Food for Life program has also attracted the full support of The City of Port Phillip Council, delivering meals within a 20km radius of the Albert Park Temple. In appreciation of this project, the council has awarded a grant of $25 000 to assist in this essential service of providing food to those in need.

Others are also donating generously with dry goods, vegetables and monetary donations. 

Recently, as well, the devotee families living in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne, in particular the Wyndham Shire, are distributing wholesome meals to those in need every Sunday. 

Cooking from the commercial kitchen facility at Wyndham Park Community centre and delivering about 100 meals every week, this effort is again appreciated by both the residents and international students in need in that area of Melbourne and the local Council. 

Everyone can be a part of this essential service and assist by supporting this project. This food distribution can expand in Melbourne by the contribution of those who want to help hundreds of people, affected by the Pandemic. 

* * *

Anyone feels inspired to help please contact Melbourne Hare Krishna Food for Life or visit their website. Hare Krishna Food For Life Inc. Info@harekrishnafoodforlife.com.au