Neel said, “I stared at the cafeteria line, scanning for something I could eat … Plant-based options were limited to a weekly salad … I took initiative to change that … Soon I was on Capitol Hill, nervously clutching my notes to speak with staff on the Effective Food Procurement Act. I had prepared for a brief exchange, but instead we launched into a thirty-minute conversation on the economics of expanding plant-based school meals. Back home, I led a campaign at my school, working with my food service director and peers to introduce plant-based options … With support from a Friends of the Earth grant, I helped pilot a plant-based chicken sandwich directly on the lunch line. We are currently working to trial additional items, such as plant-based taco crumbles and tenders; to meet students where they are, particularly in my … rural public high school.” “In college and beyond, I plan to promote vegetarianism and veganism by addressing the energy and infrastructure systems that shape how food is produced, distributed, and wasted. I intend to study energy science and engineering.”

The deadline for the VRG scholarship contest for high school seniors is February 20^th of each year. For details, and to see other winners, go to  https://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm

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