In today’s rapidly changing world, transformation is not only welcomed—it is celebrated. Our organization, formerly known as Food for Life Global, has evolved into Food Yoga International. This change reflects our deep commitment to nourishing both body, mind and soul, and fostering unity through the sharing of wholesome food.
A Brief History
Our journey began in 1993 when we established a headquarters in Potomac, MD. Starting with a small team in a humble setting, we registered as a nonprofit in the USA in 1995. Over the years, the organization grew from a modest office into an international network connecting people across the globe. Even during early challenges—such as managing operations from a single home office—our dedicated team pioneered virtual collaboration long before it became commonplace.
The Origins of the Name “Food for Life”
The name “Food for Life” has its own unique history. In the early days of organized food relief efforts of the Hare Krishna movement, the idea of distributing nourishing meals as a way to build community and offer support took root. Although the name was never coined by its founder, Srila Prabhupada, it was during the expansion phase in 1980 that a group of leaders came together to formalize this global initiative. One key contributor, Yasomatinandana, suggested the name “Hare Krishna Food for Life” to capture the essence of serving nourishing food to those in need. This idea quickly resonated, and soon, various local initiatives—ranging from soup kitchens to food trucks—emerged, all embodying the spirit of providing life-sustaining meals. Over time, while many projects adopted the name in one form or another, our focus remained on ensuring that the spirit of genuine care and community support was at the forefront.
Evolving the Food Movement
Initially, our efforts centered on distributing meals as a means of serving communities and introducing a culture of care. Early initiatives, such as a successful model from Sydney where leftovers were shared after Sunday feasts, demonstrated the profound impact of such programs. However, as the concept grew, some groups misused the name for fundraising. To protect our mission, we instituted clear policies to ensure that only genuine, community-focused projects could operate under our banner, preserving trust and integrity.
The Philosophy Behind Our Food Culture
At the heart of our work is the belief that food is much more than a means to satisfy hunger—it is a powerful medium for communication, connection, and transformation. Scientific insights, including studies on water memory and intention, have led us to view food as a carrier of energy and meaning. Every meal, prepared with care and gratitude, offers an opportunity to nurture not only the body but also the mind and spirit.
We encourage taking a moment of mindfulness before each meal—a brief pause to appreciate the nourishment provided and to connect with the underlying energy behind the food. This practice, free of any specific dogma, is a universal invitation to recognize the transformative power of food in uniting people and fostering community.
The Origins of Food Yoga and the Introduction of Prasadam
The idea behind Food Yoga emerged from a desire to demystify the ancient concept of prasadam—traditionally seen as a blessed offering—by explaining its benefits in clear, scientific terms. In my quest to introduce this practice to the public, I drew inspiration from the research of Dr. Emoto, whose work on water memory demonstrated how intention could influence the molecular structure, and from Lynn McTaggert’s writings on the transformative power of focused intention.
Through this research, I came to understand that food carries not just nutrients but also the energy and intention of those who prepare it. This realization formed the foundation of Food Yoga—a movement that invites people of all backgrounds to see their meals as a way to connect with the deeper, transformative qualities of nourishment. By approaching prasadam as both a cultural practice and a scientifically grounded method of infusing food with positive energy, Food Yoga offers a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern research, making the benefits of this practice accessible to everyone.
The Reason for the Rebrand
Rebranding as Food Yoga International is more than just a name change—it is a reaffirmation of our broader vision. We see food as a catalyst for healing and transformation, capable of bridging divides and uniting communities around shared values of care, sustainability, and compassion. By focusing on the holistic benefits of plant-based nutrition and mindful eating, we shift the conversation from merely “feeding the hungry” to “uniting the world with pure food.”
This new identity also helps distinguish our work from other initiatives with similar names, clarifying our commitment to an inclusive, non-sectarian approach. It’s important to note that while the international headquarters has rebranded, our local affiliates are welcome to retain their original names—such as Food for Life Nepal or Food for Life Japan—so long as they adhere to the standards and practices outlined in our training manual. This allows each community to maintain its unique identity while benefiting from our global support in funding, marketing, education, and training.
Bonafide affiliates who follow our standards can use our affiliate logo in their marketing.
Impact and Legacy
With over 8 billion meals served to date, our legacy is defined not only by the number of meals distributed but by the quality of impact on communities around the world. Our focus on plant-based nutrition, eco-friendly agriculture, and compassionate outreach has redefined the role of food in promoting well-being and social unity.
Joining the Movement
Food Yoga International invites individuals and communities worldwide to join this transformative movement. Whether you contribute by volunteering, donating, or simply sharing our message, every effort helps to foster a more compassionate, sustainable, and connected world. We remain dedicated to evolving our practices, integrating new scientific insights, and working together to create a future where nourishment and unity are accessible to all.
Paul Rodney Turner
(Priyavrata das)
CoFounder and Director
Food Yoga International