Anna Colby, a senior research associate at PPA, was recently appointed to the Meridian Township Environmental Commission. The Commission advises the Township on matters pertaining to environmental protection, water conservation, pollution prevention, and the preservation of natural areas. Ms. Colby brings her expertise in food systems, a special interest in reducing food waste, and her love for the outdoors to the Commission.
Being an environmental commissioner is just one of the ways that Ms. Colby contributes to her community. Ms. Colby is also a volunteer Board Member for the Eastside Lansing Food Co-Op (formerly the East Lansing Food Co-Op—ELFCO), where she is leading a crowdfunding campaign to re-open the co-op in Allen Place, a new development sponsored by Allen Neighborhood Center on Lansing’s east side. ELFCO will provide local farmers and food producers a year-round market for their goods while increasing access to healthy, locally grown foods for the people in greater Lansing. Additionally, Ms. Colby is on the engagement committee for the Michigan Good Food Charter, aimed at promoting policy changes that advance “good food” in Michigan.
Through her work with PPA, Ms. Colby conducts research to inform the development of food programs and policies and evaluates the impacts of nutrition and food access programs, among other work. She can be reached at acolby@publicpolicy.com.