Zachary Murray

Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, Zach is a graduate of Cornell University with degrees in city and regional planning and Africana studies. Zach helped conduct a Community Food Assessment to measure food insecurity in Tompkins County, NY with the Cornell Cooperative Extension. His work developed greater local knowledge of the local food system and strategies for improving access to healthy, affordable food for all community members. Zach also conducted research on regional food access issues with the Urban Institute and completed an honors thesis on food culture in the African American community in Tompkins County.

Field placement: Just Harvest

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Zach conducted a comprehensive assessment of the food abundant or food desert status of predominantly low-income and moderate-income communities in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. The assessment is being used to lay the groundwork for policy recommendations and a plan of action for improving food resources in communities most at risk for food insecurity.

Policy placement: Center for American Progress

Washington, D.C.

Zach's work at the Center for American Progress focused on building bridges between CAP's Poverty to Prosperity and Progress 2050 teams. Through contributions to each teams' research and analysis, Zach worked to unify Poverty and Progress 2050s commitment to create economic opportunity for all, close racial and ethnic disparities, and seize on diversity as an opportunity for growth and prosperity.

Publications