Our mission is to harness the power of the plant-based foods industry to drive transformation of food systems for the benefit of people, planet, and animals.

About the Plant Based Foods Institute

The Plant Based Foods Institute (PBFI) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization working to drive sustainable food systems through the growth of plant-based foods. As the sister organization to the Plant Based Foods Association, we champion and support the plant-based food industry as a powerful lever for diversifying cropping systems, expanding agricultural opportunity, and advancing environmental and human health. Through research, policy, and cross-sector collaboration, we are helping to grow a thriving industry that delivers tangible benefits for farmers, ecosystems, and the public good.

How We Advance Plant-Based Foods

  • Close-up of green wheat stalks in a field under a blue sky with wispy clouds.

    Enhance nutrition security and public well-being

    We believe in the power of plant-based foods to improve nutrition security and deliver lasting benefits for people and the planet.

  • Hands planting a small seedling in moist soil

    Drive sustainable and profitable business growth through policy advocacy and market strategies

    We demonstrate the economic benefits of plant-based foods, advocate for supportive policies, and develop marketplace strategies to ensure business resilience and adaptive supply chains.

  • Vineyard with rows of grapevines under a bright blue sky with clouds, surrounded by rolling green hills.

    Empower farmers and build resilient food systems

    We champion plant-based foods to create profitable opportunities for farmers and strengthen the stability of our food supply.

Meet the Team

  • Sanah Baig

    Sanah Baig

    Executive Director

  • PBFI CEO Rachel Dreskin

    Rachel Dreskin

    CEO

  • Julie Emmett

    Julie Emmett

    Vice President, Marketplace Development

  • Marjorie Mulhall

    Marjorie Mulhall

    Senior Director, Policy

  • Margaret Barnard

    Margaret Barnard

    Senior Director, Operations

  • Elizabeth Sachs

    Elizabeth Sachs

    Director, Sustainable Sourcing Initiative

  • Jeff Doyle

    Jeff Doyle

    Director, Program Development

  • Kate Good

    Kate Good

    Director, Communications

  • Shanarae Goodwin

    Shanarae Goodwin

    Financial Controller

Meet the Board

  • Garrett Broad

    Garrett Broad

    PRESIDENT
    Associate Professor of Communication Studies, Catalysts for Sustainability program at Rowan University

  • Jaime Athos

    Jaime Athos

    TREASURER

    Senior Advisor, Louisville Vegan Jerky

  • Rachel Dreskin

    Rachel Dreskin

    CEO, Plant Based Foods Association and the Plant Based Foods Institute

  • Nicole Sopko

    Nicole Sopko

    COO, Upton’s Naturals

  • Audrey Tran-Lam

    Audrey Tran-Lam

    Environmental Health Program Manager, Center for Energy and Environmental Education at the University of Northern Iowa

  • Liz Ross

    Liz Ross

    Founder and Executive Director, Rethink Your Food

  • Lauren Kohler

    Lauren Kohler

    Director of Philanthropy, Stray Dog Institute