The Young Changemaker Transforming Food Insecurity with Meals That Matter

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Prakhya Koya. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

Prakhya Koya has always believed in the power of action. As the founder of Leap4u, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing food waste and combating food insecurity, she has turned this belief into a movement that has helped thousands of individuals across the Washington, D.C. metro area. Through her leadership, Leap4u has rescued over 12,700 pounds of food and provided more than 67,300 meals to people experiencing homelessness and poverty. But for Prakhya, the mission is about more than just food—it’s about restoring dignity and hope to those in need.

“I have witnessed firsthand the immense struggles individuals and families face when they lack access to basic necessities like food and clean water,” Prakhya explains. “At the same time, I’ve seen an overwhelming amount of perfectly good food go to waste. My goal is to bridge this gap—rescuing surplus food and delivering it to those who need it most.”

Her journey began at a young age when she started volunteering at local shelters, where she saw the harsh realities of food insecurity. She also became aware of how much food was discarded by grocery stores and restaurants daily. This realization led her to take action beyond occasional volunteer work.

“From a young age, I volunteered at a local shelter and saw how children, families and adults struggled with unstable housing and food insecurity—especially during brutal winters when hypothermia and seasonal illnesses posed even greater risks,” she recalls. “Realizing the severity of this gap, I felt compelled to do more.”

Leap4u operates seven days a week, coordinating food rescues from businesses like Wawa, Chick-fil-A, Pizza Hut and KFC. The recovered food is distributed to 18 unhoused communities and local food pantries, ensuring that no edible food goes to waste. Beyond food recovery, Prakhya also organizes food drives, brown bag lunch distributions and breakfast events to keep her community engaged in cultivating more food security in the area.

Her impact isn’t just measured in numbers—it’s seen in the lives she touches. “The most fulfilling moments come from seeing the smiles and gratitude on people’s faces when they receive a warm meal and the reassurance that someone cares,” she says. “Receiving handwritten notes from shelter directors and community leaders expressing the impact of our work is incredibly moving and serves as a constant reminder of our responsibility to keep going.”

Prakhya is an ambitious leader, envisioning expanding Leap4u’s partnerships and incorporating mental health initiatives into the organization’s services. “Currently, we support 18 unhoused communities and work with multiple local restaurants and food chains to ensure that no edible food goes to waste. Moving forward, we plan to expand our network of partners and shelters to maximize our reach. Additionally, we aim to introduce mental health initiatives—such as counseling sessions and wellness workshops—to provide more comprehensive support.”

For Prakhya, one of the most rewarding aspects of her work is seeing how it inspires others to take action. “Bringing together volunteers from diverse backgrounds and uniting them under a shared purpose has been truly inspiring,” she says. “Dedicating time and energy to a cause you believe in not only makes a tangible difference but also brings a profound sense of fulfillment. It strengthens communities, fosters empathy and reminds us of our collective responsibility to care for one another.”

Her advice for those who want to make a difference? Start small, stay consistent and involve others. “Start with something that truly resonates with you—whether it’s fighting hunger, protecting the environment or advocating for mental health. Reach out to local nonprofits and community groups to see where your help is needed, and don’t hesitate to involve friends and family. Consistency is key—even a few hours a week can make a meaningful impact.”

Beyond direct service, Prakhya is deeply committed to raising awareness and mobilizing others to take action. She frequently speaks at community events, schools and local gatherings to educate others about food insecurity and food waste. By highlighting the interconnectedness of hunger, environmental sustainability and social justice, she encourages individuals and businesses alike to think critically about how they can contribute. “Even small acts—like donating excess food instead of throwing it away—can have a ripple effect,” she explains. “We need to change the way we approach food waste and hunger, and that starts with education and awareness.”

In the future, Prakhya envisions Leap4u becoming a nationwide model for food rescue and redistribution, with chapters in other major cities across the U.S. She hopes to strengthen collaborations with policymakers to advocate for better food waste regulations and expand Leap4u’s initiatives into areas like job training and financial literacy programs for underserved communities.

“Food insecurity is just one part of a much larger issue,” she notes. “By providing holistic support, including career development and mental health resources, we can help break the cycle of poverty and empower individuals to build sustainable futures for themselves.”

Ultimately, Prakhya hopes her story shows that anyone—no matter their age or resources—can create meaningful change. “You don’t need vast resources—just the willingness to take that first step and work alongside others. Progress happens one action at a time, and when you stay committed, everything falls into place.”

Through her leadership, compassion and relentless dedication, Prakhya is not just rescuing food—she’s restoring hope, one meal at a time.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Prakhya? Find local volunteer opportunities.