Hare Krishna Lunch prices have gone up.
Until last October, students and locals could eat Krishna Lunch for a $4 donation. The request has since gone up to $5.
This isn’t the first time prices have gone up. The lunch prices went from being optional to a mandatory donation of $3. Prices went up another dollar in 2008, according to Alligator archives.
Krishna Lunch Director Hanan Schwefel attributes the price change to the increase in food prices. Schwefel, who buys the groceries weekly, said quality ingredients are only becoming more expensive with time.
“A year ago, the (nutritional almond) powder (used to make the salad dressing) cost $30 for a 30-pound bulk,” he said. “Now it’s $95 for the same amount. We try to use healthy ingredients ... and spend a lot to make lunch better.”
The part of the money that doesn’t go to food goes to the food truck’s gas and insurance, maintaining Krishna Lunch as a green organization — meaning they’re using sustainable materials — and maintaining the kitchen, which is inspected by the health department.
“It’s hard to find good vegetarian food on campus,” said Savannah Snowden, a 19-year-old food science and human nutrition sophomore at UF. “I really don’t mind $1 extra.”
Casey Miller agrees.
“I still think it’s a pretty awesome value. I just got a bunch of food I get to take home, so it’s still a good deal,” the 21-year-old UF religion senior said.
Those who eat at Krishna every day are protected from the price hikes. By buying five meal coupons, each meal will cost $4. Buying 10 meal coupons, each meal will cost $3.50, Schwefel said.
Krishna Lunch is served on campus on the Plaza of the Americas or at the Krishna House, 214 NW 14th St.
Although there is an established donation request of $5, Schwefel doesn’t deny anyone a meal.
“The main thing is to feed them,” Schwefel said. “We have many students who help us in other ways. There are many other students who help us with serving, doing dishes with us.”
A version of this story ran on page 3 on 9/3/2013 under the headline "Krishna Lunch raises prices due to increased food expenses"
