Our Story
In the fall of 2021, our founders were connected with the Plant Futures Initiative during a class taught by Professor Saha, EXPOS 20—Animals in Politics. Plant Futures Initiative is a social venture committed to accelerating the transition to a plant-centric world for planetary, human and animal well being by equipping and empowering the next generation of food system leaders with the necessary education, experience and network to become change makers. Upon speaking with the founder of PFI, we decided to start a chapter at Harvard, becoming one of the first chapters of the organization. We hosted a Launch Event at Professor Bazerman’s house in the Spring of 2022 and began our official journey as a club during the Fall of 2022. During our inaugural year, we formed a board of 11 students and 9 faculty advisors and hosted numerous collaborative events with other clubs and organizations. In the Fall of 2023, we officially rebranded as Harvard Undergraduate Plant Based. This academic year, we’re continuing to partner with organizations to expand opportunities for students, improve access to plant-based options, and raise awareness about the impacts of our food choices.
Our Mission
Who We Are
We are a student-led organization based at Harvard University that is broadly focused on plant-based food systems and related issues. We are part of the greater mission to bring about a more ethical, sustainable, healthy, accessible, culturally appropriate, and efficient plant-based food system.
We aim to advance these goals using the following levers:
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Organizing on-campus events and initiatives to educate and engage the Harvard community on the importance of plant-based diets
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Creating a plant-based community at the collegiate level and using this to effect change to food practices in university dining halls
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Establishing partnerships with vendors, restaurants, and companies who share our goals and interests in promoting a plant-based food system
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Generating mainstream attention on plant-based solutions through media coverage, campaigns, and outreach
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Collaborating with other student groups, non-governmental organizations, activists, and experts
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Incorporating relevant food systems issues into our events and initiatives, ie. food deserts, food justice, equity, and accessibility