EDISON, NJ – A local nonprofit has expanded its free meal program at Middlesex College, now serving hot lunches to roughly 100 students every week as food insecurity continues to affect more than half the student population, officials said.
The World Food Movement, based in Edison, began delivering vegetarian takeout meals to Middlesex College students in 2024 and this spring expanded to in-person hot lunches served each Thursday in the College Center on the Edison Campus for the duration of the semester.
"Filling stomachs is a basic need," said Hari Das, a representative of the World Food Movement. "The students are always surprised; they say 'Is it free?' We say yes. We have top-quality, top-notch food."
The expansion comes as campus data underscores the need. According to Middlesex College Community Resource Coordinator Amanda Lyons, 35 percent of students surveyed have experienced limited or uncertain access to nutritionally adequate food, and 51 percent reported a high level of food insecurity. The college's Community Resource Hub and Food Pantry averages 190 visits per week and has served 717 unique students since September 2025.
"We are striving to serve students holistically. We recognize that academic persistence faces major barriers when a student's basic needs are not met," Lyons said. "We extend care through nutritional support through our Food Pantry and with amazing community partners like the World Food Movement."
Das first connected with Lyons in 2023 through Sewa Diwali, a national initiative of Dharmic communities that donates food to those in need.
Edison Mayor Sam Joshi and Middlesex College President Mark McCormick joined the World Food Movement team in serving meals during the program's launch.
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