Happy New Year to all our supporters, partners, and friends! As we step into a brand-new year, we at the Plant Based Nutrition Movement (PBNM) want to take a moment to reflect on the past year and extend our heartfelt wishes for health, happiness, and success in all that is meaningful to you in 2025.
The New Year is a time of fresh starts, renewed energy, and inspired goals. Our wish for you is a year filled with vitality, connection, and purpose. Whether you’re exploring plant-based living for the first time, deepening your commitment to it, or supporting others on their journey, we are here to celebrate and encourage you every step of the way.
Reflecting on an Incredible 2024
2024 was an extraordinary year for PBNM. Together, we made significant strides toward building healthier communities and creating lasting change in the way we think about food and nutrition. One of our proudest accomplishments was our work with schools across Illinois to bring plant-based meals to the forefront.
- 9 Schools, Countless Lives Impacted: We partnered with nine schools in various capacities, providing resources, education, and support to help them implement plant-based meal programs.
- 8 Pilot Schools: Eight of these schools became pilot programs, rolling out plant-based lunches to all students and staff. These schools demonstrated the transformative power of accessible, plant-based options and set a benchmark for others to follow.
- 1 School Goes 100% Plant-Based: In a groundbreaking achievement, one school committed fully to plant-based nutrition, becoming the first in Illinois to serve 100% plant-based meals. This milestone showcases what’s possible when we prioritize health, sustainability, and inclusivity in our food systems.
- Collaboration with Other Non-Profits: We worked with other non-profits to create the “More Plants On Plates Illinois” initiative (moreplantsonplatesil.com). This initiative made it easy for 1,150 children to request plant-based lunches in 278 school districts across Illinois.
- Mass Media Exposure: Our efforts received attention from the media, with five mass media exposures helping to spread awareness about the benefits of plant-based nutrition.
- Illinois School Nutrition Association Conference Presentation: We proudly presented this initiative at a school nutrition conference, highlighting the impact and importance of plant-based meal options for schools.
- Second Virtual 6 Million SEEDS Child Nutrition Conference: We hosted our second virtual 6 Million SEEDS Child Nutrition Conference, which was a tremendous success. The event featured 14 medical providers, climate experts, educators, and mental health professionals. Each speaker presented evidence-based and accurate information to support children and families looking to enhance their health and ward off illness in the future.
- Scouting (as in Boy Scouts)! We provided plant-based samples at two large camporees in Lake County Illinois. We spoke with Troop Leaders, kids and parents and added lentil Slopy Joes to their hot dog lunch offering. Ahh, such happy faces!
- All together, we shared the message of food as medicine for children to at least 6,000,000 people on mass media and at least 3000 children and families in-person!
These accomplishments wouldn’t have been possible without the passion and dedication of our volunteers, donors, and partners. From kitchen staff learning new recipes to educators incorporating nutrition into the curriculum, and from families embracing the change to community leaders championing the cause, this has been a true team effort. Thank you for believing in our mission and working alongside us to make it a reality.
On the Horizon in 2025
As we move forward, we are filled with optimism and excitement about the possibilities ahead. In 2025, we aim to expand our school partnerships, reach more communities, and continue advocating for the health of people, animals, and planet. Together, we can create a world where plant-based nutrition is not only accessible but a celebrated standard practice everywhere families eat.
We also encourage you to reflect on the changes you’d like to make this year. Perhaps it’s incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet, supporting local efforts for healthier food options, or volunteering with organizations like ours. Every small step contributes to a larger movement.
Wishing You Health and Happiness
As we embrace the possibilities of 2025, know that your support fuels our efforts and inspires our mission. We have the chance to make this a year of connection, growth, and collective impact. What a gift!
From all of us at PBNM, Happy New Year! Here’s to a year of health, abundance, and success in all that matters to you.
With gratitude and hope,
The Plant Based Nutrition Movement Team
