Our Story

Prabhuji Food Distribution is rooted in the teachings and example of our founder, Prabhuji. His life of compassion and service inspires us to see divinity in every being and to serve others as a sacred act. For us, feeding those in need is love in action.

This principle of selfless service continues to guide every box of food we prepare and every family we serve.

Our journey began in 2007 in Manhattan, when Prabhuji observed the large quantities of edible food being discarded while so many went hungry on the streets. Moved by this painful contrast, he asked his disciples to begin rescuing surplus food from supermarkets and bakeries across the city.

This food was delivered to soup kitchens, pantries, and directly to homeless individuals—offering not only nourishment, but dignity, human connection, and hope.

In 2014, after establishing the Prabhuji Mission Ashram in rural Greene County, we expanded our efforts and began operating an on-site food pantry. While continuing food rescue operations in New York City, we brought rescued food to our upstate pantry each week, distributing it to a small number of local families with limited access to affordable, healthy food.

Word spread quickly, and more families began to rely on our program. With a handful of volunteers and limited resources, we served an average of 300 people per month.

2018 – Regional Food Bank Partnership: We became a partner agency of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, tripling our reach and significantly increasing the variety of food we could offer.

COVID-19 Response: The pandemic brought an unprecedented surge in need. We quickly shifted to a drive-through distribution model to ensure safety and continuity. During this time, we served over 1,100 people per month—nearly triple the number from just two years prior.

Expanded Infrastructure: We acquired a refrigerated trailer to store perishables and began weekly food rescues from Hannaford Supermarket through the Retail Partner Agency Program.

Scaling Up: We joined the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP), purchased a 16-foot box truck capable of transporting up to 5,000 lbs. of food per trip, and served over 1,250 people per month.

Today, Prabhuji Food Distribution serves hundreds of households each month across more than 35 towns and 9 counties. Many of the families we serve include single parents, elderly individuals living alone, and multi-generational households.

Each week, our dedicated team of ministers and volunteers comes together to unload, sort, prepackage, and distribute nutritious food with warmth and care. Thanks to their tireless efforts, the program has evolved into a regional hunger relief initiative serving thousands of people each year.

Our service is more than food—it is a gesture of love, respect, and human connection. Behind every hand that receives a box there is a story that matters.

We believe that no one should go hungry—and that everyone deserves to be seen, honored, and supported. Every box we prepare is offered with compassion and dignity.