Person of Interest: Tony Lewis

Occupation: Operations Assistant at Fair Food Network

You have such an impressive and accomplished background. You’re a veteran of the U.S. Navy and you served as a speechwriter at the Pentagon. How did you come to find your place at Fair Food Network here in Ann Arbor?

I had been working in Washington DC for 10 years – first in the U.S. Senate, then on Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign and then in the Pentagon – when my wife and I realized we didn’t want to raise our three children in DC. Fortunately, the company she works for has an office in Ann Arbor and they allowed us to transfer. It wasn’t until after I moved here that I discovered this great non-profit whose mission was to increase healthy food access to underserved communities.

What are you most proud of about the work you do at Fair Food Network?

I was raised by a single mother on food stamps and we ate a lot of unhealthy foods and sugary soft drinks. I’m very proud to be part of an organization that works hard to break that destructive habit found in a lot of poor communities, while also helping family farmers and stimulating local economies.

Are you looking for any volunteers?

Sure. I encourage anyone interested in helping to email us at
info@doubleupfoodbucks.org.

You previously worked at Friends of the Earth and the Environmental and Energy Study Institute. How would you improve the city to make it more eco-friendly?

Ann Arbor is a pretty progressive city. I think it can follow the lead of other progressive cities and adopt a purchasing policy that prefers environmentally-friendly products, like non-toxic cleaning products and furniture that does not contain toxic or harmful chemicals. I would also like to see the city promote local healthy foods and clean energy in its schools and institutions.

What do you think makes Ann Arbor unique?

Ann Arbor is great for adult fun and also a great city for families with small kids. We can take our kids to the Hands-On Museum or the Leslie Science & Nature Center during the day and at night my wife and I can have a good time on Main Street.

For more info on how to get involved at Fair Food Network,205 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor, or visit fairfoodnetwork.org.

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