Sri Sathya Sai International Organization - USA

The North Bergen Public Library, a vital hub to the Jersey City community for services like free health fairs, has expanded its mission to include weekly distributions of fresh grocery produce. This initiative is a result of a continued partnership with the Sri Sathya Sai International Organization (SSSIO) and local nonprofits.

The initiative began on September 27, 2025, when members of the Sri Sathya Sai Center of Jersey City collaborated to distribute healthy food in honor of Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s 100th birthday.  Sai Lakshmi Rao, Director of the North Bergen Public Library and a member of the local Sai Center, originally envisioned distributing food bags to the first 100 attendees at the SSSIO health fair held at the library. Given that 12% of the local population lives below the poverty level—many of whom are underserved or uninsured—the need was clear.

From Logistics to Miracles

Initially, the plan hit a snag. "I suggested the food bags to our region’s president, Aparna Chitturi," Mrs. Rao explained. "However, we got caught up in the logistics of the health fair and the idea took a back seat."

Despite this delay, the organizers believe a higher power was at work. The two noted that Sai had planted the idea in their head, but their inaction did not stop His will from being carried out. Just two days before the fair, Mrs. Rao received an unexpected call from the Coalition for Food and Health Equity, a nonprofit dedicated to end hunger and advance economic equity in historically marginalized communities through making nutritious, high-quality farm-fresh food accessible to them. They requested to set up a stand at the fair—fulfilling Mrs. Rao's original vision without her having to lift a finger on the logistics.

Weekly Bounty: "God Provides"

The distribution was a resounding success. Attendees were able to select fresh collards, kale, sweet potatoes, cabbage, and herbs directly from local New Jersey farms. The produce was so beautiful and fresh. The staff played music, creating an uplifting ambiance while people shopped for what they wanted. It was a joyful experience.

Following the fair, the Coalition’s founder and CEO, Dr. Leeja Carter, asked to make the stand a permanent weekly fixture. The answer was a resounding yes. Since September 2025, the nonprofit promptly has opened their grocery stand at the library at 4 p.m. every Thursday. Dr. Carter chose Thursdays—unaware that it was an auspicious day within the Sai community as "Guru’s Day". When asked how she could provide such abundance, Dr. Carter simply replied, "God provides" – a sign to Center members that Sai’s hands were behind it all.

Sai Volunteer Support

About 2-3 Sai volunteers continue to support the grocery distribution every Thursdays. They ensure zero waste by bagging leftover produce and delivering them to a local shelter. They ensure accessibility for those unable to visit the library in person; grocery deliveries are arranged to their homes. Mrs. Rao noted the collaboration has been rewarding for center members. She noted that the nonprofit didn’t know about Swami or the Sai organization initially, but they began to recognize their service aligns perfectly with Sai values of universal love and selfless service.