We are building a Next Gen Food System—one that achieves zero hunger, zero emissions, and zero animal suffering within our generation.
Creating the infrastructure for change
We position mission-aligned individuals in high-impact roles where they can accelerate systemic change. Through our global network at leading universities, we mobilize nodes of influence and establish direct pathways to decision-makers across institutions, industries and government.
Upgrade Dining is the largest nationwide initiative dedicated to accelerating ambitious plant-based transitions at US universities. It is entirely student-led in collaboration with dining teams, food service providers, plant-based food companies, and university food experts.
In just one year, Upgrade Dining has expanded to 40+ universities including all the Ivy Leagues, engaged 3,000+ students, partnered with 30+ food companies, and piloted cost-saving procurement reduction strategies projected to save institutions up to $100,000 annually.
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2x International Festivals
1,000+
80+
20+
attendees
universities
countries
$45,000+
$50,000+
40+
Upgrade Dining chapters across top U.S. universities
in student travel scholarships to promote accessibility
in student research and project funding awarded
10+
Universities with new plant-based transition strategies
Attending the 2024 Food 4 Thought Festival was a dream come true.
My passion for food and sustainability started years ago but was limited to my personal life - until the festival, where I discovered an incredible community that understands the critical role that food plays in the wellbeing of all and is actively working on solutions.
Sofia Chufani De La Cuadra
Harvard University