USDA Hires National Director For Farm To School Program

On the heels of unveiling new federal standards to make America's school lunches healthier, which includes doubling the amount of fruit and vegetables offered in school cafeterias, the US Department of Agriculture has tapped Deborah Kane (l) as the national director for the "Farm to School" program. Kane has been recognized by the White House as a “Champion of Change” for her work in regional food system development. Deputy Agriculture Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced the news on USDA's blog.

Kane will work with the Agricultural Marketing Service, Food and Nutrition Service, and the USDA Farm to School Team, a project of the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative, to promote and expand USDA's Farm to School efforts, Merrigan wrote. Kane will be "overseeing a new farm to school grant program, and continuing to find creative ways to increase schools’ access to local foods," Merrigan

Kane previously worked at the non-profit Ecotrust in Portland, Ore., where she founded and ran Food-Hub.org, an internet site that connected farmers, fisherman, and buyers, including schools, across the Pacific Northwest. She is also the publisher of Edible Portland magazine, a seasonal publication that champions Northwest farmers, ranchers and fishermen on a quarterly basis.

*White House photo