As another remarkable year draws to a close, we're excited to share our comprehensive annual newsletter—a carefully curated story of Student LunchBox's journey and achievements. Rather than sending frequent updates throughout the year, we choose to weave together a complete narrative that truly captures the depth and breadth of our impact. This approach allows us to present a fuller picture of how your generous support has transformed students' lives across Los Angeles.
Some stories are best told not in fragments but as a complete narrative that honors the full scope of what we've accomplished together.
Transforming Student Success Through Strategic Support
At Student LunchBox, we're changing how Los Angeles addresses college food insecurity with a powerful yet straightforward approach. From our modest 1,400-square-foot warehouse and single cargo vehicle, we serve thousands of students monthly, demonstrating that meaningful change comes from strategic partnerships and dedicated teams rather than extensive resources.
Our effective three-tier distribution model ensures maximum impact. We provide weekly deliveries of fresh, nutritious food to our incredible partner pantries while developing comprehensive food assistance programs at institutions without existing resources. Our mobile food markets, inspired by the welcoming atmosphere of farmers' markets, create vibrant campus spaces where students not only access nutritious food but also build lasting community connections.
The heart of our success lies in an extraordinary answer to a common question: "How does Student LunchBox accomplish so much with limited resources?" The secret is our remarkable team of over 100 passionate student leaders who transform modest means into meaningful impact. These dedicated ambassadors, interns, and volunteers bring energy and purpose to every aspect of our work, proving that true change comes from people, not just resources.
Their commitment has driven our growth from serving two colleges in 2022 to fifteen campuses today, including new partners Emerson College, Montclair State University, Los Angeles Mission College, Los Angeles City College, and Charles Drew University. Today, we are excited to share that this dedication translated into supporting over 87,000 student participants—each number representing a life touched, a dream supported.
And here's something to spark your curiosity—three more institutions will join our family in early 2025, including one where I proudly stand as an alumnus, though we'll keep their names under wraps for now. This exciting expansion represents more than institutional growth—it embodies the transformative power of students helping students, creating a legacy of compassion that will inspire generations to come.
Breaking New Ground: Program Evolution
When we began hearing stories beyond empty plates, we knew our mission needed to evolve. Data collected from our mobile markets revealed a sobering truth: over 1,000 students struggle with accessing necessities due to financial hardships in today's economic climate, and many of them find themselves sleeping in their vehicles. Through personal conversations and interviews, our team witnessed firsthand the quiet struggles behind academic journeys, inspiring us to expand our support beyond food security.
Through a transformative collaboration with Shelter Partnership, one of LA's most influential forces in supporting disadvantaged communities through essential resource distribution, Student LunchBox now provides comprehensive support, including clothing, bedding, and toiletries. This expansion represents more than just growth—it's our commitment to ensuring that no aspect of basic needs insecurity stands between students and their dreams.
Stories of Impact: A Community United
"Ever since I heard about the Student LunchBox, not only have I gotten to volunteer but utilize it myself. I looked forward to every Wednesday, knowing that we were going to get fresh produce and grocery items. My favorite memory was when I had my grandma join me at a couple of the distributions. At first, she did not feel comfortable coming to campus, but later, she kept asking me to remember to grab food. She used fresh produce to make salads and even made pickled cucumbers."
Another student shares: "It's not an exaggeration to say that Student LunchBox saved my life. The food they provided was a lifeline for me when I needed to put money towards other priorities. Having food FOR FREE without judgment or shame from the incredible people running this service feels like a dream come true. Thank you, Student LunchBox!!!"
These stories, among many featured on our Impact Board, illustrate how your support strengthens not just students but entire families and communities.
The Heart of Student LunchBox
Our mission thrives through the unwavering dedication of countless heroes. To the remarkable food pantry staff and student ambassadors across our 15 partner colleges—your daily commitment ensures students receive consistent, dignified support. Your partnership is the foundation of our success.
Special appreciation goes to our extraordinary board members who work tirelessly behind the scenes: Kelly Alarcon, Laurie Settle, Armine Badalyan, and Marco Gonzalez. Your guidance and dedication ensure we maintain the highest standards of service to our students.
We also celebrate Karlene Zalkin, whose extraordinary dedication embodies the spirit of our mission. What began as a required internship in September has evolved into a heartfelt commitment, as Karlene chose to continue supporting fellow students beyond her required hours. As our first part-time intern, her voluntary dedication to serving others helps us overcome daily operational challenges and inspires us all.
Our Partner Network
Behind every Student LunchBox success story stands an extraordinary network of partners whose shared vision transforms possibilities into reality. Our collaborative spirit has flourished through strategic alliances with Los Angeles's most influential organizations.
This year, our network of support has reached a milestone as we were honored to continue our impactful work through the support of Food Forward, Jewish Family Services JFSLA SOVA, Shelter Partnership, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Health-Ade Company, and many other organizations and businesses that help us create an ecosystem of care that enables students to pursue their academic dreams unburdened by basic needs insecurity.
Architects of Student Empowerment
There are moments when gratitude transcends words, yet we must try to express our profound appreciation for the visionary partners who have transformed Student LunchBox from a dream into a powerful force for change. These remarkable organizations have provided continuous support that has shaped SLB into what it is today. Their unwavering commitment has catalyzed our growth into one of the fastest-growing agencies providing basic needs support to college students, enabling thousands to focus on what matters most: their education and dreams.
Our Champions
Golden Tree Asset Management
Audrey & Sydney Irmas Charitable Foundation
The Charitable Foundation
Whole Foods Market Foundation
United Way of Greater Los Angeles with the Los Angeles EFSP Local Board
In 2024, Student LunchBox's unwavering dedication to student well-being caught the attention of remarkable organizations who chose to stand with us not just as supporters but as true believers in our mission to transform students' lives. Today, with profound gratitude and excitement, we celebrate the newest funding partners of Student LunchBox.
S. Mark Taper Foundation
Annenberg Foundation
California State University Chancellor's Office
Health-Ade Kombucha Company
Lebovitz Fund for Philanthropy
and many other visionaries
Each partner brings unique strengths to our mission—from sustained financial backing to strategic guidance to innovative resource contributions. Their support of SLB is an investment in the transformative power of education itself—creating ripples of change that will impact generations to come.
The Milestones That Define Our Impact
In 2024, your belief in Student LunchBox's mission catalyzed recognition and support at the highest levels, validating our shared commitment to student success. Our selection as one of the winners of the LA2050 Grant Challenge—supported by the visionary partnership of the Dodgers Foundation—affirmed our role in transforming Los Angeles County into a place where every college student can thrive, connect, and realize their full potential. This achievement was further celebrated through formal recognition from the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles and Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove of California's 37th Congressional District.
Building Tomorrow's Impact: Our 2025 Priorities
Since our founding in 2020, Student LunchBox has built proven strategies, unique community partnerships, and an unprecedented network of support that efficiently delivers nourishment to thousands of students.
As we stand at a pivotal moment in our journey, we face a game-changing opportunity: the acquisition of a heavy-duty cargo truck that would revolutionize our reach, doubling—potentially tripling—our ability to deliver nourishment to students in need. This critical resource represents the difference between saying 'not yet' and saying 'yes' to thousands of students waiting for our support.
This holiday season, we're launching a special fundraising campaign to secure an $86,000 refrigerated truck with lift gate capabilities.
We invite you to be part of this transformative moment. Whether through direct support to our holiday fundraiser, sharing our mission with your network, or connecting us with foundations and corporate partners, your advocacy can help us secure this crucial element for our 2025 operations.
Additionally, if you know of any organization or a philanthropic partner interested in donating a truck, we would be thrilled to explore this possibility. Every share, every connection, every contribution brings us closer to ensuring every student can pursue their education with dignity and focus on their dreams rather than daily necessities.
Together, we can make 2025 our most impactful year yet.
With Gratitude: Our Shared Journey Continues
In the spirit of transparency and shared accountability that defines our partnership, we look forward to sharing our comprehensive 2024 Impact Report and financial statements with you in early 2025. This document will tell the story of our collective impact—not just in numbers, but in lives transformed and communities strengthened.
Thank you for being architects of hope in our students' lives. Together, we're not just fighting campus hunger; we're nurturing the next generation of leaders, one mission, one meal, and one dream at a time.
With profound appreciation,
Karlen Nurijanyan M.P.A CEO | Founder Student LunchBox
P.S. Don’t forget to follow us on social media platforms for the latest updates and stories from the field!