Vegetarian Meals, on the Cheap
Students at the University of Florida can find low-cost vegetarian meals.
GAINESVILLE, Fla., April 3, 2009 -- Krishna lunch at the University of Florida means more than just grabbing a quick bite to eat; for some students, it has become a tradition.
The Krishnas have been there, in the same spot at the plaza, for more than 38 years.
Every day, rain or shine, students can enjoy a healthy vegetarian, all- you- can- eat buffet, for a donation of $4. Students can also buy lunch cards, which drop the price to a mere $3.33.
Krishna Temple president Kalakantha das says the lunches are a part of their tradition. " Our tradition is centered around the idea of sacrament in everything one eats, and so preparing, eating and serving that sacred food is part of us."
Wednesdays are, by far, the busiest day at the Krishna line. They serve a popular pasta on that day and some students find it quite addicting.
"I truly think it's because they put addictive substances in the sauce," UF student Alex Jaditian jokes. "Either that, or it's so delicious that it has become addictive on its own."
Jaditian says he will stay in line for hours, if need be, but he adds he comes here for more than just the lunch itself.
"It's not only the food that tastes good. You get to eat under good weather, you have your good friends with you." Kumar Vasudevan and Franco Alvaredo agree with Jaditian. "It's outside and it's really nice to seat with a lot of friends and eat the lunch."
Vasudevan also likes the convenience and price. "I'm a vegan and it's all you can eat food for $3.33, and I don't think I can have a good nutritious meal for this price anywhere else."
"We make sure our food is nutritious too. Vegans sometimes lack Vitamin B, so we try to supplement that need," Kalakantha das said.
Eating Krishna food can also lessen a diner's carbon footprint, he said. "We feel this is a God-centered activity and by being so, we feel that we are helping everyone involved in it. Not to mention the ecological impact of people eating less red meat and helping with the lessening of global warming."
