Plant-Based Policy Initiatives with Animal Policy Alliance

This episode continues our special series featuring the Animal Policy Alliance, showcasing how policy advocates are creating institutional change for animals across America. Jodi Gruhn of Wholesome Minnesota, Judy Wolf of Animal Protection New Mexico, and Brenna Anderst of the Animal Policy Alliance discuss their collaborative strategies to increase plant-based food accessibility in schools and government institutions while building powerful coalitions that amplify their impact.

This episode explores:

• How the Animal Policy Alliance connects and strengthens local advocacy organizations
• Strategic policy approaches to introduce plant-based options in schools and government cafeterias
• Countering dairy industry influence through health equity and environmental messaging, including Animal Protection New Mexico’s Dairy’s Not Fair program
• The power of framing plant-based options as an expansion rather than a restriction
• Grassroots initiatives gaining momentum for plant-based milk alternatives in school lunch programs

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Jodi Gruhn is a fierce advocate for compassionate living creating change by bringing plant-based nutrition directly to Minnesota’s youth. As Director of Wholesome Minnesota, a project of Compassionate Action for Animals, she’s transforming school food systems from the inside out—driving policy initiatives that put plant-based options on cafeteria trays while building community partnerships. Jodi works directly in classrooms teaching students to cook delicious plant-based food and energizes environmental clubs, cultivating a generation that understands the power of their food choices to honor animals, their own health, and the environment.

Judy Wolf is the Chief Program and Policy Officer for Humane Communities for Animal Protection New Mexico and has extensive professional experience working in a variety of non-profit organizations, both overseas and in the United States. Her career comprises multiple directorships and program development roles for community-based agencies, advocacy organizations, and international institutions. Judy has a passion for the protection and welfare of animals and has been a volunteer and supporter of animal welfare organizations for many years. 

Brenna Anderst is the Senior Policy Advisor at The Humane League, where she provides support to members of the Animal Policy Alliance through local, state, and federal policy research, model legislation drafting, and legislative and campaign strategy development. Prior to joining The Humane League, Brenna directed the legislative campaigns, lobbying efforts, and educational initiatives of an animal protection organization and farmed animal sanctuary in Washington state and was a founding member of the Animal Policy Alliance. In this role, Brenna led, or was involved in, the advancement of 20+ state and local level laws protecting animals. Her wide range of policy experience includes working with organizations and advocates locally and across the country on issues related to companion and farmed animal protections, animal cruelty enforcement reform, retail pet sales regulations, plant-based food procurement, and more.

We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview.

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The Animal Policy Alliance, established by The Humane League, is a powerful collective of local and state-level animal advocacy groups throughout the United States. We serve as a trusted resource, providing knowledge, strategies, connection opportunities, and grants to our member organizations. We lead with purpose, empowering alliance members to build toward our shared vision of a world without animal abuse.

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