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
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