Roots to Work: the campaign manager

Please introduce yourself and what you do.

I'm a registered public health nutritionist with over 9 years of international experience in leading and implementing successful awareness and advocacy campaigns relating to health, food, and the environment.

Born and raised in India, I’ve always had a natural passion for the environment and all its inhabitants. From protecting ants and bees to speaking out against cutting down trees, my dedication to sustainability is core to who I am.

I lived and worked in Delhi, Mumbai and Singapore before moving to London where I now work as Senior Global Campaigns Manager at Compassion in World Farming. My role focuses on advancing the organisation’s mission to create a kinder, fairer food and farming system worldwide, collaborating closely with country offices and partner organisations to drive impactful change.

What was your route into the sustainable food sector?

I started as a dietetics intern at one of India’s most reputable medical institutions, where I planned diets for patients to aid in their recovery. However, soon I realised that I wanted to focus on addressing health issues before they arise.

This led me to the development sector, where I worked at grassroots level and managed multiple community health and nutrition projects, driving improvements in public health outcomes. My interest in sustainability and the interconnections between food choices, the environment, and animal welfare began to deepen during my time with PETA India. It was here that I learned about the profound impact our food systems have on global ecosystems, such as the Brazilian rainforest, disappearing wildlife, or ocean dead zones.  

In 2022, I completed my second master’s degree in Nutrition for Global Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. This academic journey reinforced my commitment to leveraging the "power of our plates" to address some of the world's most pressing challenges.

In my current role, my work revolves around raising public awareness and advocating for policies and initiatives that promote sustainable food environments. By developing and leading international campaigns, I aim to influence public and political attitudes towards more sustainable food systems, emphasising the need for reduced animal food consumption and improved animal welfare standards.

What’s the best thing about your work? 

Transforming the food system offers a unique opportunity to address multiple critical issues simultaneously. By advocating for sustainable food production and consumption practices, we can tackle public health crises, improve animal welfare, combat nature and biodiversity loss, enhance food security, reduce climate emissions, decrease land and water pollution, and lower the risk of zoonotic diseases. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of a movement that aims to create practical solutions for such a wide array of pressing global challenges.

What challenges or obstacles have you faced in your career or research and how have you overcome them?   

Probably contending with powerful lobbying giants that have significant influence over food policies and consumer preferences. These entities often prioritise profits over public health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability, making it difficult to drive change. And the sheer complexity of the food system doesn’t make it easy.

Some valuable lessons I’ve learned along the way include:

• When faced with big problems, taking one step at a time can make a significant difference. Often, minor changes in our immediate surroundings can create larger ripple effects.
• Creating awareness is crucial because it empowers individuals, who are the true catalysts for change.
• Understanding the local context is key, as everyone has a unique story and no single solution fits all. Tailoring approaches to specific communities and their needs is essential.
• At an organizational level, building strong partnerships and presenting a unified front can significantly boost the movement and its impact at a more global level.

Who or what inspires your work in this movement?

There are countless individuals doing incredible work in the field of sustainable food, and I draw inspiration from many of them. However, my biggest source of inspiration comes from within. My deep-seated passion for protecting the environment and promoting public health drives me every day. Knowing that my efforts can contribute to a healthier planet for future generations, including my own children, keeps me motivated.

Furthermore, the resilience of natural systems that have immense potential to restore themselves when given little consideration and time reminds me that positive change is always possible if we act with care and urgency.

What are your hopes for the future? 

As a parent, my hopes are a bit personal. I want my children to grow up enjoying the richness and bounty of our beautiful planet. I hope to see a future where sustainable farming practices are the norm, communities are food secure, public health is improved through better nutrition, and where animal welfare is a priority!

What advice would you give to anyone that is passionate about sustainable food systems and wants to work in this sector?

If you are passionate, please do join in. There is so much work to do and the movement is always in need of people who care and have the motivation and zeal to stand up for what is right and needs to be done.

As president Barack Obama said, “We are the first generation to feel the effect of climate change and the last generation who can do something about it”.

And if you need some more understanding and insights, here are some of my recent reads that I highly recommend:

• Sixty Harvests Left by Philip Lymbery
• Regenesis by George Monbiot
• Thinking in Systems by Donella H. Meadows

And a beautifully made documentary that debunks the sustainability claims of aquaculture is Until the End of the World. 

Feeling inspired? Connect with Bhuvaneshwari on LinkedIn.