We are 5 years strong!

It has been five incredible years since we launched Student LunchBox, and we couldn't have reached this milestone without every single one of you.

From Karlen Nurijanyan

With deep appreciation, I thank you for being an essential part of our journey. I’ve prepared this brief update to share key milestones and reflect on the impact we are making together in the college communities we serve. In just one week, we will celebrate our five-year anniversary. This milestone belongs to all of you whose support has allowed us to respond to the urgent needs of our students. 

As we look ahead, I remain confident that together we will continue to build a future where no student has to choose between food and their education.

Karlen Nurijanyan

Founder/CEO

Student LunchBox, Inc

We have continued to expand access to essential resources, including nutritious food, clothing, hygiene supplies, and other necessities that help students stay enrolled and succeed in college. In 2024, we welcomed six new campus partners. This year, we have already welcomed UCLA, Ithaca College, and James Madison University into our program and now serve thousands of students across 17 colleges and universities, with six additional campuses on our waitlist.

🙌Powered by People: Our Volunteers

If you’ve ever wondered how tens of thousands of pounds of food make it to our markets each week, meet George Chinchilla, the quiet force behind the scenes. George spends over 30 hours a week receiving, sorting, and palletizing every item that moves through our warehouse. He also manages safety, maintenance, and nearly every task that keeps our operations running smoothly. We’re still unsure if George ever takes a break, but we’re certain we couldn’t have done this without him.

Of course, George does not do it alone. This year, more than 200 student volunteers have supported Student LunchBox operations across 17 campuses, and that number continues to grow. These students show up week after week, in the heat, the rain, and everything in between, with unmatched dedication. They unload trucks, set up markets, and serve their peers with care and pride.

🤝Partner Highlights

We are deeply grateful to our community partners who share our mission and stand with us every step of the way. The success of Student LunchBox is not ours alone. It belongs to everyone who helps make this work possible. Our sincere thanks to Food Forward, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Food Finders, Shelter Partnership, Next Level Apparel, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Health-Ade, and so many others who ensure college students facing hardship receive the essential support they need to stay on track.

❤️ Funder Highlights

Like many nonprofits, we are navigating uncertain times as funding cuts continue to challenge the sector. Despite these pressures, our commitment to serving students has not wavered. We continue to move forward with focus and resolve, grounded by the strength of our mission and the trusted partnerships we’ve built. We extend our deepest gratitude to GoldenTree Asset Management, whose long-standing support has helped build the backbone of our operations. Their commitment has enabled us to maintain consistency, scale our impact, and respond swiftly to student needs without interruption.

🔧 Operations Update: Stronger Foundations, Greater Impact

We’re proud to share that our warehouse lease has been renewed for another two years at no additional cost. This outcome reflects our commitment to maximizing every dollar and maintaining operational efficiency. With stable overhead, we can direct more resources toward what matters most: supporting students. We’re grateful to our landlord for recognizing the value of our work and helping us sustain our mission without added financial pressure.

This warehouse also holds a cherished piece of our story. Do you remember that small trailer that once rolled through the streets of Los Angeles when Student LunchBox was just getting started, drawing attention, delivering hope, and turning heads? It’s still with us. Thanks to the generosity and craftsmanship of George Chinchilla, that humble trailer has been transformed into a fully functional walk-in refrigeration unit. What once symbolized our grassroots beginnings now powers our ability to preserve fresh produce and serve students with even greater care and consistency.

🚚 Looking Ahead: A Bigger Truck, A Bolder Vision

As Student LunchBox continues to grow, so do the needs of the students we serve. From our humble beginnings with an enclosed trailer to our current Ford Transit, we have maximized every vehicle to deliver support where it is most needed. Today, with mobile markets serving over 250 students at a time, it is clear that a larger box truck is essential to meet demand and ensure no student is turned away. In 2025, our primary focus is securing funding for this critical transportation upgrade. With increasing donations and a rapidly expanding campus network, this investment will allow us to transport more goods, serve more students, and reach campuses currently on our waitlist.

✅ Be Part of This Next Chapter

We invite you to be part of this next chapter, whether by making a contribution, sharing our mission with others, or connecting us with funders who can help make this priority a reality. Every meal delivered, every volunteer hour logged, every student served—this is what impact looks like. And it’s all possible because of you. Every action moves us closer to a future where no student has to choose between food and education.

Thank you for standing with us. Together, we’re not just distributing basic needs essentials, but we’re building community, fostering equity, and empowering students to thrive in college and beyond. 

At your service,

Karlen Nurijanyan

Chief Executive Officer | Student LunchBox, Inc