DefaultVeg Student Intern

DefaultVeg Campuses: 2025 Student Internship Program

Drive Sustainable Food Systems Change on Your Campus!

Are you passionate about sustainability and food on your campus? Join the Better Food Foundation's DefaultVeg Internship Program and lead the sustainable food systems transformation on your campus.

About DefaultVeg 

DefaultVeg is an innovative ambassador program advocating for plant-based food defaults using behavioral science strategies. Our approach: Plant-Based Food by Default is a simple and inclusive way to offer sustainable, healthy plant-based food as the standard,  giving diners the choice to opt-in for meat/dairy. This shift results in many benefits:

• Reduces carbon emissions to meet sustainability goals (Sodexo Scope 3)
• Lowers food costs  (NY city hospitals save $)
• Offers healthy, delicious options
• Preserves dining freedom of choice and customer satisfaction

About the Better Food Foundation

The Better Food Foundation's mission is to create sustainable food systems where plant-based food is the norm. The Better Food Foundation incubates novel strategies for shifting diets. DefaultVeg is a program of the Better Food Foundation. 

About the DefaultVeg Internship Program

The Internship is a dynamic, modular program designed to empower student ambassadors like you to help shift your campus toward a more sustainable food system and plant-based dining options. By participating, you'll develop essential leadership skills to enhance your career prospects in sustainability and beyond.

Overview

Transform campus food systems through research, strategic planning, and impactful implementation. 

What You'll Do

• Learn about behavioral science, sustainability, and plant-rich food
• Design and execute plant-based default strategies
• Conduct sustainability research
• Collaborate with campus leaders and allies
• Plan interventions for foodservice at cafes, events, offices, clubs, and conferences

Eligibility

• Current college and grad student
• Aligned with Better Food Foundation's mission

Program Details

• Time Commitment: 10+ hours/month

• Duration: 12 weeks: February - June 2025

• Online Platform: Circle with live/recorded content for busy schedules

Professional Development Skills You'll Gain

• Leadership Skills: Engage in hands-on projects advocating for plant-based defaults on campus.
• Professional Training: Live and recorded training from leading behavioral science and sustainability experts.
• Project Management Experience: Conduct field research, organize initiatives, and engage with dining staff, faculty, and campus groups.
• Global Networking: Connect with like-minded peers worldwide through our online community platform, Circle, fostering support and collaboration.
• Real-World Achievements: Lead campaigns and conduct research, enhancing your resume and giving you a competitive edge in the sustainability job market.
• Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced mentors to navigate challenges and build your career in sustainability.
• Credit: Course Credit from your school, LinkedIn Certificate from Certifier, Letter of Recommendation from Better Food Foundation's Executive Director

Program Highlights

• Flexible Schedule: Participate year-round—during Winter, Spring, or Summer semesters—adapting to your academic needs for internships, capstone projects, senior projects, or volunteer opportunities.
• Six Key Modules: Build skills to advocate for plant-based defaults and drive meaningful change through structured learning and hands-on activities.
• Measurable Impact: Track and report the impact of your work on contributing to your university's sustainability goals.

Success Stories

• At Cornell University, interns influenced dining halls to serve plant-based desserts and eliminated the upcharge for plant-based milk.
• UCLA's Bruin Model UN conference adopted a DefaultVeg policy, benefiting over 2,000 students with plant-based meals.
• At NYU, interns collaborated with campus groups to implement DefaultVeg policies for all food-related events.

Who Should Apply?

This internship is ideal for proactive students passionate about sustainability, climate justice, or food. Whether studying environmental science, food systems, or another discipline, this program offers a customizable experience to align with your academic and career goals.

Application Process

• Deadline: February 4, 2025

• Online application and interview via Zoom

• Ongoing applications for grad students/service work

Join us in Creating a More Sustainable World by Default 

This isn't just an internship—it's a transformative experience. You'll gain job skills while directly contributing to global sustainability efforts.

Ready to Make an Impact? 

Apply now! Deadline February 4, 2025

Step 1: Fill out the Application Link

Step 2: Send a resume and cover letter to: Kenzie Bushman, [email protected]

(DefaultVeg Campuses is also suited for capstones, community service learning,and graduate projects. Please inquire.)