For almost ten years, Ananda Marga volunteer Steven Landau has run a weekly yoga program at Wake Correctional Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. The voluntary two hour class includes Ananda Marga instruction on yoga postures, philosophy, kirtan, and meditation. Once a month, the prisoners are even treated to a vegetarian meal. Many participants have responded positively to the classes, reporting less aggression and higher levels of relaxation and physical well being.
In 2021, FFA broadened the scope of its program, responding to anyone seeking assistance, and not just those who are elderly or home-bound. Given the pressures of the pandemic, we wanted to ensure that food was one less thing for people to worry about, freeing up their scant resources for other pressing expenses.We were especially happy to support the newly unemployed and those forced into quarantine.
In 2022, with many clients finding jobs, FFA went back to basics, supporting more homebound people. 50% of the new clients in 2022 were in poor physical or mental health, had disabilities, were elderly or were single mothers. FFA takes pride in helping provide a sense of security for those in unstable circumstances.
AMURT has been involved with the hunger problem amongst the poor and the homeless in Los Angeles for the last 25 years. Our breakfast feeding through Mama D's Kitchen is legendary amongst the folks of Skid Row. It makes a huge difference in their lives. The program is maintained entirely by volunteers and public donations.
Food For All DC (FFA) had another impactful year in 2023. We grew as a useful resource for the D.C. government, private agencies, and healthcare providers, with 147 new case managers making referrals. We’ve become an important part of a referral network that supports food-insecure D.C. residents.