ANAND NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF USDA'S CENTER FOR NUTRITION POLICY AND    
PROMOTION
                                            Release No. 0409.97
                                                               
                                                               
                                    Jim Borland  (202) 690-0469
                                             jim.borland@usda.gov
                                      John Webster (202) 218-2312
                                        john_webster@fcs.usda.gov



ANAND NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF USDA'S CENTER FOR NUTRITION POLICY AND    
PROMOTION

     WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 1997--Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today
announced the appointment of Dr. Rajen Anand as Executive Director of the USDA
Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion.

     "Dr. Anand brings a unique combination of academic qualifications in
science, education, and medicine and experience in administration and public
policy to his new position," said Glickman.  "I am pleased to announce Dr.
Anand's addition to our management team and have full confidence in his
ability to carry out the mission of the Center -- to promote good nutrition
for all Americans."

     Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Shirley
Watkins noted, "I have known and worked with Dr. Anand for a number of years
and am pleased to join Secretary Glickman in welcoming him as the Center's
Executive Director.  I look forward to working closely with him in our efforts
to improve nutrition in the diets of all Americans, especially USDA food
assistance program participants."

     The Center is best known for its development and publication of the
Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Food Guide Pyramid.  Anand will lead
a staff comprised of nutritionists, economists, mathematicians, and food and
social scientists.
 
     Anand joined the Center in January 1995 as Deputy Executive Director. 
Prior to his work at USDA, he served as professor of physiology for 25 years--
including 6 years as the department chair--at California State University,
Long Beach.  During his tenure at Cal State, he was honored with the
Outstanding Professor Award and twice with Meritorious Performance and
Professional Promise Awards.

     A graduate of the University of California, Davis, Anand holds a
doctorate in human physiology, nutrition and biochemistry and a second
doctorate in veterinary medicine.  He has published over 35 scientific
articles in national and international journals and made presentations at
numerous professional meetings worldwide.

     The mission of the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion is to
improve the nutritional status of all Americans by serving as the focal point
with the Department of Agriculture in linking research to the dietary needs of
the consumer.

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