A Last High Five from Deborah

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Volume 3, Issue 2, January 5, 2017

The Dirt - New and Notes from FNS's Office of Community Food Systems
#gimmefive
Celebrating the fifth anniversary of Let’s Move by performing the #gimmefive dance with some of the nation’s largest school districts in San Diego.

A Last High Five from Deborah

After five years leading USDA’s farm to school efforts, and more recently the Office of Community Food Systems (OCFS), my time at USDA has come to an end.  

One image that has stayed with me throughout my tenure is of an 8th grader in Chicago high fiving a farmer in the school hallway as produce was delivered to the cafeteria. There was real joy in the moment, and a tangible sense of partnership. I’ve felt a similar sense of joy and partnership many, many times over the last five years. It was a great privilege to support and witness the incredible work taking place in schools across the country to nurture healthy and active children.

A new director will be announced soon. In the meantime, Christina Conell will serve as the Acting Director of the Office of Community Food Systems. The team will remain steadfast in its commitment to achieving our big goal – that one day every child, everywhere, in every one of our child nutrition programs will have daily access to a local or regionally sourced option.   

They can’t do it without you, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to the team. Christina is available to answer any questions about our priorities for 2017 or the transition to new leadership, and, as always, the full OCFS team is here to help in any capacity.

And please do stay in touch with me; you can reach me via my linkedin profile or at deborah.jean.kane@gmail.com

Lastly, please consider this parting note from me as a virtual high five! 

All best,

Deborah Kane

Deborah Kane