Allison graduated in 2009 with a degree in international studies and environmental studies from Kenyon College, where she led a student organization dedicated to supporting and encouraging local food networks. After graduating, she interned with the Community Food Security Coalition, volunteered with local urban agriculture projects in D.C. and worked with Bread for the City's advocacy department on outreach and organizing around food justice.
Field placement: Detroit Food Policy Council
Detroit, Michigan
Allison supported the Council’s efforts to expand healthy food access for all Detroit residents. She surveyed Council members and community activists, aggregated available research on Detroit's food system, and developed a strategic framework for the Council's Annual Food System Report. She also contributed to outreach and communications tools and strategies for the Council’s work groups.
Policy placement: RESULTS
Washington, D.C.
Allison worked with the domestic policy team to enhance RESULTS' grassroots networks expertise around economic opportunity. She researched the impact of federal refundable tax credits and federal policy initiatives that help low-income Americans build savings, and created educational materials on tax policies for RESULTS volunteers. She also planned and facilitated a number of workshops and conference calls to further engage RESULTS' network on these issues.
Hunger Free Community Report
Measuring and Monitoring Detroit's Food System examines the role of data in food-system advocacy, public education, and organizing efforts in Detroit. The report explores ways the Council can shape and improve food-focused data collection in Detroit and proposes a "report card" framework for conducting an annual evaluation of the city's food system.