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Groundbreakers Policy Coalition x Nourish the Future Foundation
Groundbreakers Policy Coalition x Nourish the Future Foundation
The Groundbreakers Policy Coalition is a student-led policy research program under the Nourish the Future Foundation. Each publication below represents the independent research and advocacy work of our cohorts—bridging classroom learning with real-world change in food, sustainability, and equity policy.
Summer 2025 Publications
Summer 2025 Publications
Policy Proposals
Policy Proposals
By Reyna Stovall, University of Texas at Austin — Master’s Candidate, Public Affairs
This proposal advocates reforming the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) formula to use locally available poverty data and schoolwide indicators instead of relying solely on federal assistance enrollment. The goal is to ensure stable, equitable access to free school meals despite national safety net cuts.
Focus AreasFood Policy · Education Equity · Nutrition Access
By Zoe Mullins, University of Texas at Austin — Sophomore, Government & Philosophy
Recommends revising the Texas Education Code to prohibit harmful additives like brominated vegetable oil and red dye 3 in National School Lunch Program meals. The policy aims to protect student health and raise nutritional standards statewide.
Focus Areas: Legislative Reform · Public Health · Food Safety
By Mason Paslay, Texas A&M University — Senior, Political Science & Business Minor
Argues for the preservation and strengthening of the Energy Star program, emphasizing its economic and environmental benefits and critical role in national energy efficiency.
Focus Areas: Energy Policy · Sustainability · Climate Action
By Adyn Garcia, University of Texas at Austin — Junior, Government & Communications (Pre-Law)
Critiques the proposed federal Reconciliation Bill for cutting SNAP and Medicaid funding, calling for state and federal efforts to preserve food assistance access for low-income Texans.
Focus Areas: Energy Policy · Sustainability · Climate Action
By Stephanie Martinez-Estrada, Baylor University — Graduate, Sociology & Spanish
Proposes standardizing nutrition education by mandating 40 hours of curriculum in schools under EFNEP, aiming to address inconsistencies in program implementation and increase student health literacy.
Focus AreasNutrition Education · Public Health · Youth Engagement
By Ella Bynane, University of Texas at Austin — Sophomore, Government & French (Liberal Arts Honors)
Examines Arkansas’s SNAP Reform Plan and advocates for policies that expand choice, dignity, and access through partnerships between farmers, food banks, and local grocers.
Focus Areas: Human Rights · Food Policy · Community Empowerment
By Isabella Ordoñez, University of Texas at Austin — Junior, Health & Society with Government Minor
Advocates for state-level grants supporting grassroots food access models like community fridges and pantries, emphasizing local leadership, dignity, and sustainability in addressing hunger.
Focus Areas: Mutual Aid · Food Justice · Public Health
By Amber White, University of Texas at San Antonio — Senior, Sustainability
Proposes an incentive-based education program to increase recycling participation in Austin by pairing public awareness with rewards through Austin Resource Recovery.
Focus Areas: Energy Policy · Sustainability · Climate Action
By Chloe Farias, University of Chicago — Master’s Candidate, Public Policy
Proposes standardizing nutrition education by mandating 40 hours of curriculum in schools under EFNEP, aiming to address inconsistencies in program implementation and increase student health literacy.
Focus AreasFood Policy · Rural Access · Nutrition Equity
By Alim Makanov, University of Texas at Austin — Senior, Government & Plan II Honors
Advocates reclassifying geothermal energy as dispatchable to strengthen ERCOT reliability and expand renewable energy opportunities across Texas.
Focus Areas: Energy Policy · Sustainability · Legislative Reform
By Maya Williams New York University — Junior, Public Policy
Proposes an incentive-based education program to increase recycling participation in Austin by pairing public awareness with rewards through Austin Resource Recovery.
Focus Areas: Energy Policy · Sustainability · Climate Action
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