Austin Resident Launched Animal Advocacy Institute in March
The new organization encourages plant-based diets and reflects on the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Organic Food
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Kristin Dunn, an Austin resident, launched the St. Francis Institute for Animals in March 2026 to promote animal welfare and meatless living. The organization draws upon the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi to address issues within the modern poultry industry.
Why it matters
The institute highlights a growing conversation around modern diet and animal suffering, framed through Catholic teachings and the 2015 encyclical Laudato si'. It arrives as U.S. chicken consumption has more than doubled over the last four decades.
U.S. annual chicken consumption has reached 68 pounds per person compared to 33 pounds in 1980, while the poultry industry culls 300 million male chicks annually. The full effectiveness of these new educational initiatives in changing consumer patterns is not yet known.
The players
Kristin Dunn
The founder of the St. Francis Institute for Animals who recently relocated to Austin.
St. Francis of Assisi
The 13th-century saint whose life and teachings serve as the foundation for the new institute.
Pope Francis
The current Pope who authored the 2015 encyclical Laudato si' regarding care for creation.
The details
The institute offers educational materials and a free 30-Day Harmony with All Creatures Journey for those interested in adopting plant-based food choices. Founder Kristin Dunn built the nonprofit following a decade of planning and board recruitment efforts. The group aims to empower Catholics to reduce animal suffering, specifically focusing on alternatives to factory farming practices.
Timeline
October 3, 1226 marked the death of St. Francis of Assisi.
The year 1980 saw an annual U.S. chicken consumption of 33 pounds per person.
Pope Francis authored the encyclical Laudato si' in 2015.
The St. Francis Institute for Animals was launched in March 2026.
The Jubilee Year of St. Francis will conclude on January 10, 2027.
The Texas Context
This effort follows the ethical framework set by the 2015 encyclical Laudato si', which encouraged a broader look at the relationship between humans and the natural world. The work aligns with the ongoing 800th-anniversary commemorations of St. Francis of Assisi's life.
Local residents can access free 30-day reflection materials through the institute's website to begin integrating plant-based choices into their daily routines. These resources are available now for those looking to align their diet with the organization's advocacy goals.
The takeaway
The institute encourages a mindful transition toward plant-based eating by providing structured daily reflections. Residents interested in these resources should visit the organization's website to download the 30-Day Harmony with All Creatures Journey.
What happens next
The Jubilee Year of St. Francis is set to conclude on January 10, 2027.
Further reading
For more on the intersection of faith and food in our community, read the latest in Organic Food.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Tablet.
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