Jennifer Aniston secretly paid for more than 20,000 lunches for students at a Los Angeles university, and the students’ reaction when they found out that the person paying for their meals was a Hollywood star is unbelievable.

In a heartwarming twist worthy of a Hollywood script, students at a Los Angeles university were left in utter disbelief after discovering that the anonymous donor who had been covering their lunches for months was none other than Jennifer Aniston.

The beloved Friends star, known for her philanthropic work behind the scenes, quietly funded more than 20,000 meals for students struggling with food insecurity at a prominent LA-based university — a gesture that remained entirely under wraps until this week.

The university, which has chosen to remain unnamed at Aniston’s request to protect the privacy of the students, confirmed that Aniston had been supporting the campus dining program since early 2024. Her contribution allowed hundreds of students to eat daily at no cost — no forms, no questions, just meals.

A Quiet Gift With a Big Impact

“Jennifer approached us last year through a representative,” said a university spokesperson. “She didn’t want recognition. She just asked, ‘How can I help students who can’t afford to eat?’”

The university created a discreet “anonymous meal fund” that allowed any student with a valid ID to swipe for lunch, no explanation needed. The program became wildly popular, but few questioned who was behind it — until this week, when a student newspaper investigation uncovered the donor’s identity.

“Someone leaked internal emails,” said journalism major Maria Santos, who broke the story. “At first, we thought it was a joke. But when we confirmed it… jaws dropped.”

Students React: “No Way That’s Rachel Green!”

Once the news broke, the campus exploded with reactions — many students taking to TikTok and Instagram to express their astonishment.

“Are you kidding me? Jennifer Aniston has been buying my burritos?” said one student in a now-viral video. “I was about to drop out because I couldn’t afford meals every day. She literally fed me.”

Another student joked, “I’ve been eating like a queen on Rachel Green’s dime!”

By Wednesday morning, #ThankYouJennifer was trending nationwide, with students and alumni sharing emotional posts about how the meals had gotten them through tough times.

One graduate student wrote: “I was skipping lunch four days a week before this program started. I can’t believe it was Jennifer Aniston the whole time. She didn’t just play a caring character — she is one.”

Why She Did It

Though Aniston has not issued a public statement, sources close to the actress confirmed her involvement and said she was initially hesitant for her name to be attached to the program.

“She didn’t want it to be about her,” one insider told People. “She just wanted students to be able to eat with dignity and without bureaucracy.”

It’s not the first time Aniston has quietly stepped in to help those in need. She’s known to support children’s hospitals, mental health programs, and causes focused on women’s empowerment — often without public announcements.

“She has a soft spot for education and young people,” the insider added. “Especially those just trying to get by in this crazy world.”

From Hollywood to the Cafeteria

While the university is now considering renaming part of the dining hall in Aniston’s honor, sources say she has politely declined. Still, that hasn’t stopped students from celebrating in their own way.

A group of theater majors reportedly serenaded the lunchroom yesterday with a live performance of I’ll Be There for You, the Friends theme song, followed by chants of “Thank you, Jen!”

Others left sticky notes on the cafeteria walls with messages like “You saved my semester” and “You made us feel seen.”

A Legacy Beyond the Screen

Jennifer Aniston’s surprise gesture has left a lasting impact not only on the students she helped feed, but on the broader conversation about food insecurity on college campuses.

“Too many students are choosing between textbooks and lunch,” said campus counselor Janet Wu. “Jennifer’s generosity brought dignity back into the lives of those struggling in silence.”

And for the students she helped — most of whom will likely never meet her in person — the message is clear: kindness, even when unseen, can be life-changing.

As one student wrote simply on a cafeteria napkin and taped to the wall: