A green pea pod split open with one pea in mid-air, with the Good Food Institute logo at upper left

The Good Food Institute Cuts Six U.S. Jobs as Revenue Stays Flat

The alternative protein nonprofit eliminated six current roles and seven vacant ones, about 5% of its U.S. team, Green Queen reported. GFI says its revenue has held near $32 million while budgets grew.

The Good Food Institute (GFI), a nonprofit that promotes plant-based, fermented and cultivated proteins, has eliminated six current jobs on its U.S. team. Green Queen reported the cuts Nov. 7. GFI also dropped seven vacant roles instead of refilling them.

TLDR

  • The cuts affect about 5% of a U.S. team of 110, according to GFI.
  • GFI says it has spent more than it raised for several years and covered the gap with reserves.
  • Annual revenue has stayed at about $32 million while budgets grew, according to interim CEO Rachel Lichte.
  • GFI says no further cuts are planned for now. Its six international affiliates set their own staffing.

The Cuts

A source familiar with the situation told Green Queen that six employees were laid off Thursday, Nov. 5, without notice or clear warning. GFI disputed that. It said Lichte shared regular updates with the team. In a September email, Lichte wrote that cuts may be necessary without a change in GFI’s financial outlook, Green Queen reported.

Sheila Voss, GFI’s senior vice president of communications, said the roles were chosen after a review of budget goals, 2027 priorities and staffing needs. Affected staff received severance details on Nov. 5, Green Queen reported. A U.S. all-staff meeting is set for Monday, Nov. 9.

Voss is also leaving GFI after six years. She told Green Queen her departure is unrelated to the layoffs.

The Money

Lichte said the organization’s revenue has held near $32 million a year while its budgets kept growing. GFI says the cuts put it on a more sustainable financial footing.

From 2022 to 2025, 52% of GFI’s donations came from individuals and 46% from foundations, according to the nonprofit. Corporations gave 1%. GFI says donors come from more than 60 countries, and about 80% give between $1 and $1,000 a year.

The Sector

Global funding for alternative protein companies fell to a seven-year low in 2025, below $1 billion for the first time since 2018, Green Queen reported. U.S. plant-based food sales dipped 2% last year. GFI said it does not believe the sales dip is linked to its fundraising.

Why It Matters

GFI publishes State of the Industry reports that track investment in alternative proteins. A smaller U.S. team at the group comes as investment in the category sits at its lowest level since 2018. Voss said GFI expects affiliate budget allocations in U.S. dollars to stay flat.

Sources: Green Queen (Nov. 7, 2026).