Vegetarian Meals, on the Cheap

Feeling the Financial Pinch

Unfortunately, the Krishna are not immune from the economic crisis. In the past two months, the number of lunches served increased 20 percent from its level in 2008, but donations have fallen 15 percent.

"Because we are not a business and we serve very generously, people that may be having a hard time are bypassing contributions, or getting one plate and many forks," Kalakantha das said. "We would feed the whole world if we could. " But "we might have to include some ways of policing to make sure all helped the cost of their meals."

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Between 600 and 1,000 students eat the Krishna lunch every day. The last time the prices were raised on the meals was November 2007. Kalakantha das said he is trying not to raise the price again.

Split on Cost

The students are split on the issue. "It depends on how much more. I feel like at a certain level of expense I wouldn't be willing to spend that much because I could cook my own food," Vasudevan said.

Jaditian, on the other hand, is willing to accept price increases. "If they keep raising the prices it I would still eat it. It is just so convenient and healthier than other alternatives," he said.

For those students who are hard on cash, the Krishnas offer volunteering opportunities. Students can help cook, set up and clean up in exchange for food.

They are asking students to help out right now by avoiding waste and donating again if taking food home for a later meal.

Students have made this lunch line so popular it is now featured in the Official UF Book of Traditions. It ranks almost as high as going to a football game. " It's more than just lunch," Jaditian said as he is about to take his first bite. "It's a social experience."