Kacey’s activities have included Ambassador for the Factory Farming Awareness Coalition, Youth Leadership Council Member/Senior Editor for Farm Sanctuary, and Operation Lead for The Raven Corps (youth-led vegan group). Kacey wrote: My perspective on the food system shifted entirely the day I visited Farm Sanctuary (at nine years old) and learned the truth about the cruel practice of factory farming. Thus marked the start of my journey as an activist. I host monthly discussion groups for college students to explore diverse perspectives on factory farming for audiences of more than 800 people, publish advocacy and research articles about issues related to the food system—such as zoonotic diseases and agricultural conglomeration—and present about different aspects of advocacy at workshops for hundreds of other activists. At my school, I’ve met with district officials to advocate for increased plant-based options and have handed out oat milk with informational packets as part of an anti-factory farming day of action. A pivotal moment in my advocacy was last summer, when I successfully organized a meeting with the Congressional offices of Representatives Ocasio-Cortez and Schiff to discuss legislation that would expand plant-based options in schools. After speaking with me, both representatives ended up cosponsoring the bill! Seeing the impact of policy processes firsthand showed me the importance of the political systems within our nation’s government. Receiving The Vegetarian Resource Group scholarship will help me pay for a college education centered around policy making and sustainability within the food system. The scholarship will allow me to continue the activist work I’ve been so passionately devoted to for the past 9 years and expand my resources for plant-based advocacy. I hope to work in the legislative field and specialize in policy related to animal rights and sustainability. Kacey will be attending Columbia University in New York City.

The deadline for the annual Vegetarian Resource Group scholarship is February 20 of each year. See other winners and details for entry at https://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm

To support The Vegetarian Resource Group internships and scholarships donate at www.vrg.org/donate or mail donations to VRG, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203