Lessons from Local Leaders:

Shrusti Mula

Planting the Seeds of Change: The Rise and Shine Foundation’s Mission to Tackle Food Waste and Food Insecurity

At just a young age, Shrusti Mula has accomplished what many only dream of: starting a movement that not only addresses one of the world’s biggest environmental challenges but also empowers communities to create lasting change. As the founder of the Rise and Shine Foundation, Shrusti’s mission is clear—to reduce food waste and combat food insecurity while inspiring a generation of young changemakers to take action.

The Journey Begins

The spark for Shrusti’s journey came at her county’s Agricultural Fair, where a presentation on food waste and composting opened her eyes to the environmental and social impacts of discarded food. Moved by the staggering fact that food waste is the third-largest contributor to climate change, Shrusti decided to act. In seventh grade, she launched her first composting program in a small elementary school, overcoming skepticism and challenges tied to her youth. The results? The school diverted nearly 2,000 pounds of food waste in a single month.

“Our goal is to create green habits at a young age,” Shrusti explains. By instilling awareness and action in students, she’s planting seeds that will grow into lifelong environmental responsibility.

Empowering Through Youth-Led Action

What sets Rise and Shine apart is its commitment to youth leadership. Programs are created and run by young people, for young people. While initially, Shrusti faced challenges convincing schools and businesses to take her seriously, the foundation’s impact spoke volumes. The team now runs composting and food recovery programs in schools and businesses, rescuing untouched food to fight food insecurity and teaching the importance of sustainability.

Through educational campaigns that include videos, posters, and direct interactions, students quickly embrace these programs. Even kindergartners proudly declare, “Look at me, I’m saving the planet!” Shrusti notes, proving that age is no barrier to making a difference.

Tackling Systemic Issues

Shrusti’s efforts extend beyond schools and businesses. Recognizing the need for systemic change, Rise and Shine successfully lobbied for Maryland’s SB24 bill, securing $1.25 million to fund composting programs in schools statewide. Their grassroots postcard campaign garnered the support of 177,000 students and parents, showing the power of community-driven advocacy.

Additionally, the foundation’s food recovery initiatives have expanded to all 201 schools in their county, ensuring every student has access to nutritious meals. Shrusti’s vision now includes scaling these programs nationally and globally.

Building Partnerships and Breaking Barriers

From grocery stores to corporations like Walmart and Einstein Bagels, Rise and Shine partners with businesses to redistribute surplus food. Overcoming misconceptions about liability, Shrusti educates organizations about the Good Samaritan Act, which protects food donors. These partnerships are vital for combating food insecurity on a larger scale.

Recognized and Ready for More

Shrusti’s work has not gone unnoticed. Honored as one of L’Oréal Paris’ Women of Worth, she’s shared her story on national stages, inspiring countless others to act. The experience of connecting with other changemakers and leaders reaffirmed her belief in the power of community and innovation.

A Message of Action

When asked for words of wisdom, Shrusti shares advice from her mentor: “Don’t just be an activist; be a solutionist.” Awareness is critical, but it’s the actions we take that create real change. Her journey is a testament to this philosophy, proving that passion, resilience, and collaboration can transform even the biggest challenges.

What’s Next?

With the foundation’s success continuing to grow, Shrusti’s vision is limitless. Whether it’s expanding programs across the nation or inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders, one thing is certain: the seeds she’s planting today will yield a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.

Join the Movement

Inspired by Shrusti’s story? Get involved! Whether by starting a composting program, supporting local food recovery efforts, or spreading the word, you can help make a difference. Together, we can rise and shine for a better world.

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