In College, He Couldn't Afford A Sandwich. Now He Helps Other Students In Need Get A Good Meal
Karlen Nurijanyan could barely afford a grilled cheese while he attended Santa Monica College in 2010. Fourteen years ago, there was little support for food-insecure students and a larger stigma for those seeking out basic needs.
In the years since, he has started a nonprofit, that delivers fresh produce, canned goods, grains, dairy, meat, and poultry across 10 Southern California community colleges and university pantries, helping students in need get easier access to food.
A 2023 fall by the Community College League of California found that nearly half of California community college students are food insecure. Rates have improved by about 3% since 2019 鈥 because of pantries and basic needs offerings.
Alone on minimum wage
Two years after emigrating from Armenia with his family in 2008, Nurijanyan enrolled at SMC. He lived alone, without a vehicle and surviving on minimum wage. While financial aid covered some expenses, he found himself constantly looking for his next meal.
