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 20th of each year. For details, and to see other winners, go to https://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm
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