Evidence-Based Nutrition. Healthier Kids. Resilient Families. Stronger Communities.
Plant Based Nutrition Movement promotes whole food, plant-based nutrition to prevent disease, uplift communities, and build a healthier future for our children and our planet.
Why Plant-Based Nutrition Matters
The Standard American Diet is the biggest cause of chronic illness in the United States. Chronic disease is now one of the greatest threats to children’s health, learning outcomes, and long-term quality of life. Conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease are appearing earlier than ever—particularly in under-resourced communities.
Decades of peer-reviewed research show that whole-food, plant-based diets can prevent, manage, and even reverse many chronic diseases, while supporting healthy growth, cognitive function, and environmental sustainability.
Yet many families and institutions lack:
Clear, trustworthy nutrition education
Practical skills to prepare healthy meals
Supportive food environments—especially in schools
PBNM exists to close that gap.
What We Do
PBNM delivers education, advocacy, and community-based programs that make whole-food, plant-based eating accessible, achievable, and culturally inclusive.
Our Core Work Includes:
Nutrition education programs grounded in lifestyle medicine and public health research
Children’s nutrition summits and trainings featuring physicians, dietitians, educators, and chefs
Family-centered initiatives that build cooking confidence and food literacy
School food advocacy to improve the nutritional quality of meals served to children
Community partnerships that address health disparities through Food as Medicine especially for people living with Sickle Cell Disease
We focus on whole foods, practical skills, and measurable impact—not trends or quick fixes.
Who We Serve
Families and caregivers seeking evidence-based
nutrition guidance
Healthcare and public health professionals
Schools and educators committed to improving student health and learning
Community organizations working to
reduce chronic disease and health inequities
Leadership
Plant Based Nutrition Movement is led by Meryl Fury, MS, RN, a public health nurse with over 30 years of experience in nurse leadership and community health.
Meryl spent much of her career serving vulnerable populations in Federally Qualified Health Centers before transitioning fully into Food as Medicine. She holds a certification in plant-based nutrition from eCornell and is known for translating complex nutrition science into clear, actionable strategies for families and institutions.
Her work centers on one core conviction:
Children’s nutrition is a public health issue—and food should help our kids grow, learn, and be the best they can be.
Our Values
Science-Driven
We rely on credible, peer-reviewed research and the
principles of lifestyle medicine to guide all programming.
Children First
Improving children’s nutrition is the most powerful investment we can make in long-term public health.
Equity-Centered
Health should not depend on zip code, income, or race. We prioritize underserved communities and culturally responsive education.
Practical & Accessible
We teach real-world skills that families and institutions can apply immediately.
Systems-Focused
Lasting health requires transformed food environments—not just individual behavior change.
Our Theory of Change
We believe chronic disease is largely preventable—and children’s health can be transformed at scale when education, skills, and food environments align.
If:
- Families receive clear, evidence-based nutrition education
- Children are exposed to nourishing, plant-forward meals early in life
- Schools and institutions improve food quality and food literacy
- Communities are supported with practical tools—not blame
Then:
- Children experience better health, focus, and academic readiness
- Families reduce diet-related chronic disease risk
- Healthcare costs decrease over time
- Health inequities narrow
- Communities become more resilient and thriving
Food becomes a foundation for lifelong health—not a driver of disease.
Impact & Media-Ready Messaging
PBNM is recognized for convening credible experts, translating science for the public, and centering children’s health in the national nutrition conversation.
Our programs:
Elevate trusted healthcare professionals, educators, and public health leaders
Bridge the gap between research and real-world application
Support parents, educators, and policymakers with actionable solutions
PBNM is available for:
Media interviews and expert commentary
Public speaking and panel discussions
Strategic partnerships and funded initiatives
Program sponsorships and donor-supported expansion
Partner With Us
Improving children’s nutrition is one of the highest-impact investments a community can make.
By supporting Plant Based Nutrition Movement, donors and partners help:
- Prevent chronic disease before it begins
- Improve educational outcomes through better nutrition
- Advance health equity
- Build healthier, more sustainable communities
This is not just nutrition education.
It’s an innovative approach to social justice and public health.