Food insecurity, which is the lack of access to sufficient food of adequate quality to meet one’s basic needs, affects millions of Americans, as well as people worldwide. This has only worsened during the pandemic. College students in particular have high rates of food insecurity. Studies show that 1 in 3 students lack the financial means to support themselves, leading to food insecurity.

Los Angeles-based non-profit organization Student Lunch Box (SLB) is working to change that. Led by Karlen Nurijanyan, SLB is a 501(c)3 approved, tax-exempt non-profit organization that is fighting food insecurity among college students.

I chatted with Karlen about the issue of food insecurity and how it affects students, and how his organization is helping to address this in the Los Angeles area. Currently, SLB operates pop-up food distribution centers and other food access sites at colleges and universities in Los Angeles.

Visit Student Lunch Box’s website or their Instagram to learn more about their mission.