Criticizing what we love is never easy. It is particularly difficult to criticize a warm-hearted group of people who serve healthy and delicious food. Krishna Lunch provides great value for its customers, as evidenced by the high demand for their lunch. Many of us love their nutritious vegetarian meals and appreciate the people who provide it, but we still need to ask some tough questions.
Why is Krishna able to provide quality meals at $4 or $5 while others cannot? Why is Krishna allowed to serve food on campus but other private organizations like Burrito Brothers cannot? Is there really such thing as a mandatory donation, or is this an oxymoron? Is the cost to the customer referred to as a “donation” rather than a “price” purely for regulatory reasons?
Does Krishna avoid paying some taxes, wages or rent? Is it truly volunteering if the “volunteers” are compensated with tuition, room and board? If prices are raised due to increased food expenses, then why is it the case that “those who eat at Krishna every day are protected from the price hikes”? Does Krishna hurt local, privately owned restaurants near campus?
If a local church would like to serve food on campus, take mandatory donations and spread its message, would UF allow it?
