Last month, I had the privilege of representing Balanced at Climate Week NYC 2024, the largest annual climate event of its kind. Over 900 events unfolded across New York City, attracting business leaders, policymakers, nonprofits, and other changemakers to discuss global solutions to the looming climate crisis.
The highlight of Climate Week NYC was Tilt Collective’s launch event and inaugural Food Day, which was hosted in partnership with Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), World Health Organization (WHO), Bezos Earth Fund, and Farmed Animal Funders, where members of public and private sectors spanning climate, health, nature, and animal advocacy convened to address the negative impacts of our current food system on climate change.
This is a big deal. While the global food system is responsible for 30% of greenhouse gas emissions, food is often left out of the climate change conversation. Tilt Collective and its partners put food back on the proverbial table.
It was invigorating to be among 1,000 attendees invested in a movement that echoes Balanced’s mission—creating healthier, more sustainable, plant-rich food systems to promote better public health and a healthier planet.
This is the cause of our lifetime, and we have the opportunity to raise our grandchildren in what will be the first generation to come of age in a truly sustainable and healthy food system. — Sarah Lake, Tilt Collective CEO
Connecting the Dots Between Nutrition and Climate Action
Balanced’s work fits seamlessly with the urgent goals discussed during Climate Week NYC. This year’s theme, It’s Time, underscored the need for immediate, accelerated action to counter climate change. With one climate crisis after another ranging from historic heat waves to devastating wildfires to catastrophic hurricanes, It’s Time.
Climate change is intricately linked with our global food systems. Our current food system, with its over-reliance on animal products and ultra-processed foods, contribute heavily to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and resource depletion.
Balanced's theory of change is rooted in the belief our food environments significantly influence dietary choices. As a result, those same food environments shape public and planetary health outcomes on a large scale. It turns out that the healthier choice is also the sustainable choice.
Our work improving the healthfulness of K-12 school menus is a powerful lever for change. By advocating for more plant-forward meals, we’re not only promoting public health but also helping to reduce the environmental footprint of our food system.
Tilt Collective did a phenomenal job walking their talk as they offered an expansive spread of sustainable, fiber-rich dishes to fuel their attendees through the day’s impactful conversations and panels. One might say, they had a #FocusOnFiber.
Key Highlights of Climate Week NYC
The Tilt Collective Launch event was a powerful moment, featuring speeches from their CEO, Sarah Lake, and a panel of influential voices including Zenia Stampe, Danish Parliament Member, Rutger Bregman, Historian and Author, and Gonzalo Muñoz Abogabir, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion COP25 & Co-Founder of Ambition Loop. They discussed strategies for transitioning to a plant-rich food system, highlighting the urgency of moving away from animal agriculture.
This ties into our work at Balanced—nutrition shifts toward plant-based foods are not only beneficial for human health but are also a crucial component of reducing our environmental impact. Further affirming our belief in the power of fiber-rich, plant-centered diets to improve health outcomes and reduce the carbon footprint of school and institutional meals.
Meeting Incredible Changemakers
What made Food Day truly inspiring was the opportunity to network with changemakers from all walks of life. I had the chance to discuss the importance of integrating nutrition policy into broader climate solutions with high-level stakeholders and advocates who share our passion for public health and sustainability. These conversations reaffirmed that Balanced’s mission is timely and critical to the global movement toward a more sustainable future.
Our Call to Action
As we continue our work at Balanced, I urge everyone to consider the role that food plays in both human health and the health of our planet. Whether through our Focus on Fiber campaign, advocating for healthier school meals, or our broader institutional support work, we are pushing for food that heals.
At Climate Week NYC, I was reminded of the power of collective action. Together, we can make the necessary changes to fight climate change, improve public health, and create a sustainable food system for all, but it will require all hands on deck.
Let’s continue this work together—because It’s Time.
To support Balanced’s work, please consider making a donation today. Together we’re putting health and sustainability back on the menu.
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