Resignation of Ellen Haas 
                                              Release No. 0009.97


Statement

                               by 
Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman on Resignation of Ellen Haas 
                         January 15, 1997


     "For almost four years, Ellen has been a leading voice in this
Administration for improving the nutrition, and therefore the health, of the
American people.

     "With Ellen's leadership, USDA led the successful fight against block
granting federal food assistance programs and ensured the national nutrition
safety net in welfare reform. She has reduced fraud, waste, and inefficiency
in the Food Stamp Program, refocused our food assistance programs to promote
nutrition and health and improved school meals and the health of our
nation's children through Team Nutrition and the School Meals Initiative for
Healthy Children. 50 million children now have access to healthier school
meals and nutrition education in part because of her efforts.

     "I have known Ellen personally for many years, long before either of
us came to USDA. We first met when she was the head of the Public Voice for
Food and Nutrition Policy. Ellen has been a tireless advocate for good
nutrition in America, especially for our children. Her drive, determination,
and energy have never wavered. And in the last four years, the American
people have been the beneficiaries."


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