“Food For Life” is the name of the feeding project run by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.  It is based upon the ancient Vedic tradition of sharing food.

“A person is considered no better than a crow if after receiving some food, he does not divide it among guests, old men and children, but simply eats it himself, or if he eats it without performing the five kinds of sacrifice. After death he is put into the most abominable hell, known as Kamibhojana. In that hell is a lake 100,000 yojanas [800,000 miles] wide and filled with worms. He becomes a worm in that lake and feeds on the other worms there, who also feed on him. Unless he atones for his actions before his death, such a sinful man remains in the hellish lake of Kamibhojana for as many years as there are yojanas in the width of the lake.”

(Srimad Bhagavatam 5:26:18)

“Rantideva, after going without even water for forty-eight days, somehow obtained some food and water, but then some beggars came and he gave it all away to them.”

(Srimad Bhagavatam 10:72:21)

 “So that is the duty of every temple. There we're feeding not only Hindus and, only, but Muslims also. Anyone. Anyone come here and take prasadam. And the whole village is so satisfied with these activities.”

(Srila Prabhupada, Lecture,Kolkata 1973)

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of the ISKCON movement, in 1974, In 1974, looked out from his room at ISKCON's temple in Mayapura (West Bengal), when he noticed a group of village children fighting with street dogs over scraps of food. Shocked and saddened by what he saw, Srila Prabhupada turned to his disciples and said, "Imagine how hungry they are.... "God is the Father. Wherever there is the Father, the children should not be hungry? A temple therefore means: free food distribution.... "No one within a ten mile radius of our temples should go hungry.... "I want you to begin distributing food immediately."

Since that time his disciples have made tremendous effort to serve free Prasadam (Vegetarian Food offered to Krishna) at all ISKCON temples, and also to go out into surrounding areas to distribute food.

“Food for Life Global” was founded in 1995 in Washington DC to serve as the headquarters and coordinating office for Food for Life projects worldwide.  To read more about other Food for Life projects worldwide, please visit the website at:  www.ffl.org

All Food for Life projects must comply to specific standards of hygiene and the cooks must be initiated ISKCON devotees.  Here in Mayapur we have a special “Big Kitchen” where our Prasadam for distribution is cooked.

Worldwide Endorsements (Courtesy of FFL Global)
Another important building block for new democracy is the love and goodwill we show to each other. That is the spirit of Masakhane, of bringing one another together. It is also the spirit of today’s festival organized by FOOD FOR LIFE. — Nelson Mandela

I pray that your FOOD FOR LIFE program will expand to bring about a peaceful world. — Salambek Hadjiev (Former Prime Minister of Chechnya)

I congratulate you for your fine achievements on behalf of the homeless . . . FOOD FOR LIFE’s success in providing housing, food, and social services has long attracted the attention of this office. – Arlen Specter (United States Senate)

The commitment of FOOD FOR LIFE goes beyond the need for the basic necessities of life; it is a commitment to improve the quality of life. – Bob Carr (Premier, New South Wales, Australia)

FOOD FOR LIFE is the real Reconstruction and Development Programme. The understanding that if I have a plate of food, let me share it with my neighbour . . . let those who are feeling sad come together with us, and together we can share this burden. This understanding should be taken from FOOD FOR LIFE and transmitted to the entire country. – Thabo Mbeki (Deputy President of South Africa)

As one of FOOD FOR LIFE’s supporters, OXFAM has witnessed firsthand the organization's activities and its ability to reach vulnerable groups in a caring and respectful manner. – Zola Dowell (Program Coordinator OXFAM, Belgrade Serbia)

[FOOD FOR LIFE] has been fundamental in promoting vegetarianism in the Australian society. – Rosemary Stanton (leading Australian nutritionist)

On behalf of the IRC, I would like to compliment the efforts of FOOD FOR LIFE in providing fresh fruit, vegetables, and prepared meals to some of the most vulnerable groups in Serbia. – Leland Montell (Country Director of the International Rescue Committee)

The Australian Government recognizes the valuable work the Hare Krishnas are doing with their FOOD FOR LIFE program. – Eric Fitzgibbon MP (Australian Parliament)