Plant Futurist Feature: Jackie Brown
Meet Jackie Brown, a dedicated student from UC Berkeley, majoring in Political Economy with a minor in Food Systems.
Jackie's decision to join the Plant Futures Challenge Lab was driven by her passion for hands-on experience in the realm of Food Systems.
“I was partnered with ProVeg during the fall semester and I’m actually continuing to work with them this semester under my Food Systems Capstone internship. ProVeg is committed to reducing meat consumption by half by 2040.”
What led you to want to join the Plant Futures Challenge Lab?
I wanted to gain hands on experience with an innovative partner in the Food Systems. I liked how the class fostered cross functional collaboration across undergraduate and graduate students. I liked the idea of creating a tangible deliverable backed by strategic research. I wanted to gain networking connections from ProVeg and other students in the class.
What are you most excited about for this course and experience?
During my sophomore year, I had taken Edible Education with Will Rosenzweig. This class inspired me to pursue a food systems minor, so I was extremely excited to have Will as a professor again. Once in the class, my team developed a strategic plan for ProVeg's potential US app release while incorporating insights from competitive analysis, beta test groups, and partnership outreach. I was most inspired by the 2 beta test groups we ran because this advice helped formulate a majority of our US app strategy.
What does the future food system of your dreams look like?
I hope for a food systems that interests healthier options with affordable prices. I hope for decreased food deserts while farm to table restaurants thrive. I hope for a food system where policy makers and individuals accept plant based eating as a tangible future.
What is your favorite plant-based food or meal?:
I have recently been making a lot of spring rolls! I typically add tofu, carrots, avocado, and a handmade peanut sauce.
