Originally from Buffalo, New York, Alfred is a graduate of the University at Buffalo, earning his MPH with a concentration in Health Equity. Shaped by his life experiences as a Black male born and raised in Buffalo’s predominantly Black neighborhood, structural realities like food insecurity, lack of mobility, and mass incarceration, have fueled his aspirations to advance health and food equity in communities like his own. Following his graduate training, Alfred executed community-based research to promote food equity as a fellow in the UB Food Lab and has continued to fight food injustice by providing fresh produce, food, and meals to the underserved by working with Buffalo Go Green, a not-for-profit organization. As an Emerson fellow, Alfred looks forward to learning about successful policy strategies that can prevent food and health inequity, especially in Black communities and urban areas while amplifying voices directly impacted by hunger and poverty.
Field placement: Hunger Free Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Alfred is working with Hunger Free Oklahoma's Policy Team. By collecting input and developing buy-in from stakeholders inside and out of the organization, he supports implementation of the next steps of Oklahoma’s Blueprint to Food Security. With a focus on community engagement and message development, Alfred’s work plans to strengthen long-term coalition building and policy efforts within the state.
Policy placement: American Public Human Services Association
Washington, D.C.
Alfred Gary III is working at the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA). Through his policy placement, Alfred will support the Coordinating SNAP and Nutrition Supports (CSNS) program by developing a strategic plan for deliverables, creating work products, supporting APHSA's provision of technical assistance, and facilitating program improvement initiatives. Alfred will also support APHSA's emerging Summer EBT work by tracking state administration plans and collaborating with partners to advance APHSA's Summer EBT portfolio.