Shifting to Plant-Based Food Defaults: A Powerful Climate Solution

Discover how our food choices can drive impactful climate action! Join Better Food Foundation and Sodexo at Lehigh University for an insightful discussion on the power of plant-based food defaults in reducing carbon emissions and transforming our food systems.
 
We’ll dive into the groundbreaking, peer-reviewed case study recently featured by Bloomberg, where three universities successfully slashed food-related carbon emissions by 25% simply by making plant-based dishes the default. This study, led by Better Food Foundation and Food for Climate League in collaboration with Sodexo and researchers from Boston College, reveals how small behavior changes, like “nudges” and default options, can help institutions meet ambitious climate targets while maintaining customer satisfaction. 
 
With proven success stories from over 500 institutions, this webinar will provide practical, actionable strategies to implement plant-based defaults as a powerful, low-cost, and high-impact solution to reduce Scope 3 emissions. Join us to gather the tools and insights to help make every meal count for the climate.

Presenters:

Juli Schulz, Vice President of Strategy & Outreach at Better Food Foundation

Juli is a strategist with over 15 years of experience in sustainability, marketing, and communications, spanning entertainment, food/drink CPG,  automotive, and NGOs. She has held prominent roles, including Senior Manager, Sustainability and Climate Action at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and Director of Experiential Marketing at Gardein Plant-Based Foods, where she helped start a plant-based cultural food movement in the U.S. and Canada.

Juli actively contributes to climate impact as a member of the advisory boards for the Hollywood Climate Summit and the 5 Gyres Institute. She has been an instructor for over 15 years at Otis College of Art and Design, UCLA Extension, and Hussian College, guiding and mentoring future creative sustainability leaders. Her dedication to environmental stewardship has been recognized with two Surfrider Foundation Wavemaker Awards for Coastal Impact and Environmental Stewardship. She is passionate about creating a world where plant-based food and reuse are the norm. 

Jamie Gallant, Sustainability Coordinator, Sodexo at Lehigh University

Jamie Gallant has had a diverse career spanning Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility, Disability Services, Emergency Management, and Business Support. With a degree in Motion Pictures & Television focused on Screenwriting, Jamie leverages his writing skills to amplify marginalized voices and drive meaningful change. He excels in stakeholder engagement, advocacy, public safety, research, and data analysis, showcasing a multifaceted skill set dedicated to making a positive impact across various sectors. Jamie's career reflects a passion for enhancing social responsibility and sustainability practices while advocating for inclusivity and accessibility in all facets of business, education, and community life.

Personal Commitment and Passions: Beyond professional accomplishments, Jamie is driven by a personal commitment to amplifying diverse perspectives and promoting equitable opportunities. His dedication to empowering marginalized communities underscores his belief in the transformative power of storytelling and advocacy. His other passions include health & fitness, nature, and history. An avid animal lover, Jamie can often be found outside walking his dog, observing the wildlife around him, or enjoying the animals at Manito Equestrian Center in Allentown, PA.