Fighting College Hunger

When we think of hunger in America, college students rarely come to mind. Yet behind the facade of campus life lies a sobering reality: one in three college students nationwide faces food insecurity, struggling to balance tuition costs with basic necessities
like groceries.

Enter Student LunchBox, a groundbreaking organization founded by Karlen Nurijanyan in 2020, that’s revolutionizing how we address this overlooked crisis. What started as one student’s personal challenging college experience has grown into a lifeline for thousands of students across 17
college campuses.

“I experienced poverty and hunger while attending college,” Nurijanyan explains, reflecting on the inspiration behind his organization. This firsthand understanding of student struggles became the driving force behind an inspiring initiative that launched just as the pandemic began, quickly gaining momentum when students needed support most.

In under two years, Student LunchBox had established partnerships with eight campuses, starting with Cal State Long Beach and Cal State Northridge. Today, the organization serves as a comprehensive basic needs agency, operating through three distinct models: partnering with established food pantries, setting up new pantries on campuses lacking capacity, and organizing farmers markets that bring fresh produce and groceries directly to students.

Student LunchBox’s impact extends far beyond addressing immediate hunger by addressing students’ full spectrum of basic needs. The organization receives 20,000 pounds of nutritious food weekly from various agencies and businesses across Los Angeles. In addition to food, the organization distributes essential non-food items, including toiletries, hygiene products, and clothing. “The ultimate goal is to support students’ physical and mental health, enabling them to graduate and build a better future,” Nurijanyan emphasizes.

This holistic approach to student support has yielded remarkable results. Last year alone, Student LunchBox served 44,000 unique students and 154,000 returning students. Even with slightly decreased numbers this year – approximately 3,000 unique and 5,000-8,000 returning students monthly – the organization continues supporting over 100,000 students annually.

Perhaps most impressive is Student LunchBox’s lean operational model. With an annual budget of just $180,000, Nurijanyan operates what can only be described as a one-person powerhouse, supported by two full-time volunteers, two full-time interns, and 60-80 student helpers across campuses. This efficient structure ensures that donor dollars translate directly into student support, maximizing every contribution’s impact.

The organization’s commitment to destigmatizing food assistance sets it apart from traditional approaches. By establishing a visible presence on campuses and following students throughout their academic journey, Student LunchBox creates an environment where seeking help feels natural rather than shameful.