Food for Life Vrindavan (FFLV) has been empowering thousands of girls in Vrindavan and surrounding areas for years. Recently, one of the students, Nandini, won the prestigious “Student of the Year Award.” 

Nandini said, “I’m thrilled to get the Student of the Year award! Thanks to my school and teachers for believing in me and giving me the chance to shine. Receiving this award is like a dream come true for me. It’s not just my success; it’s a victory for every underprivileged girl who wants to achieve something. I’m incredibly grateful to my school (FFLV) for giving me the chance to shine.”

In 1991, Rupa Raghunath Das started FFLV to distribute food in Vrindavan. Realizing that food alone couldn’t break the cycle of poverty, he expanded his focus to include education. Initially, FFLV operated as a mixed-gender school. However, the focus shifted to girls due to the greater need for their protection and empowerment.

Today, FFLV runs three schools from kindergarten to 12th grade. Two are in Vrindavan, and one is in the remote area of Kiki Nagla. These schools serve the poorest families, emphasizing the importance of educating girls who face the most significant hardships.

Facing cultural challenges, the girls might not have had the chance to attend school without FFLV’s support. Education is a means to break the cycle of poverty. Ineke Zondag, the founder of FFLV USA, shared, “There are so many hurdles the girls have to overcome. From doing homework when there is no power to getting to school safely, the hardships are greater, and every day, it is a different one.”

FFLV not only educates these girls but also supports them beyond school. Each student has a sponsor, often willing to fund their higher education. Ineke said, “When a student leaves FFLV and our Sandipani Muni schools, we approach their sponsor and tell them that she’s finished, but she has the desire to either continue to go to college or maybe even university. And most of the sponsors agree to keep their support going. So even beyond our schools, we still help the girls pursue their dreams and their ambition for higher education.”

Despite the setbacks caused by the pandemic and economic challenges, FFLV continues to support 2,000 people daily, providing meals, school uniforms, and various after-school programs. The emphasis is now on maintaining quality rather than expanding rapidly.

FFLV’s holistic approach includes community involvement, providing rent, food, and medical assistance, especially after events like floods and the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization also employs parents, including fathers, to transport children safely to school. 

Some of the graduates return as teachers, counselors, and staff, creating a cycle of empowerment. Ineke shared, “We now have former students who work in our media department, counseling, and sponsorship department. They are the leaders of the future for FFLV. Some ex-students asked for old school books because they now want to teach the ladies in their village. They reach out to us for a loan to start an embroidery or stitching center somewhere, and many of them pay back within no time when they are successful, but they continue to serve.”

One of the ex-students, Mamta, shared, “Stepping into FFLV each morning is like entering a world of endless possibilities. From student to staff, this place supported my journey, and now, giving back here is my daily joy and honor. Every day, as I step into the school, I’m not just learning; I’m rewriting my destiny.”

Varsha said, “My journey from where I started to where I am now shows how much education and opportunity can change someone’s life. It’s not just about finding a job here; it’s about finding my voice and a place where I can grow and succeed.”

Radhika said, “Thanks to Food for Life Vrindavan, education has given me the wings to dream and the strength to stand on my own. Now, I not only have a full plate but also a future filled with possibilities.”

Ineke Zondag said, “We would like to grow in numbers of students, to reach, protect, and elevate as many girls as we can who are going through hardship every day. We are hoping to get back on track after COVID and the floods last year in Vrindavan. We hope to create awareness for what we do. So if people are inspired to sponsor, to make a one-time donation, or make a recurring donation towards education, everything is such a great help and so appreciated.”

For more information on FFLV, please email them or visit their website. You can also follow them on their Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channels for more updates.