President Joe Biden has selected Stacy Dean to lead the Department of Agriculture’s nutrition programs as the next undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services.
Biden announced Dean’s selection Friday in a move that would promote her to a Senate-confirmed position at the Department of Agriculture. Dean is currently the FNCS deputy undersecretary, where she has jurisdiction over USDA’s nutrition assistance efforts and programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.
“Stacy has an incredible depth of knowledge and experience in the field of food and nutrition, and I am thrilled at the prospect of her continuing to shape the nation's food and nutrition policy as the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services,” Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said.
Stacy Dean
“Her commitment during her time at USDA and throughout her career proves she is exceptionally well suited to serve as undersecretary for FNCS,” Vilsack added. “Since taking on the role of deputy under secretary, Stacy has sought to increase nutrition assistance for struggling Americans and tackle barriers that have been long engrained into assistance programs.”
Looking for the best, most comprehensive and balanced news source in agriculture? Our Agri-Pulse editors don't miss a beat! Sign up for a free month-long subscription.
Among other things, Dean will also be tasked with handling USDA’s role in a recent shortage of infant formula in her new position. On Friday, USDA called on states to “take advantage of flexibilities” available through WIC by issuing three available waivers to allow program participants to purchase formula with benefits. The majority of states are currently issuing all three necessary waivers.
Before her time at USDA, Dean was the vice president for food assistance policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. She also spent time as a budget analyst at the White House Office of Management and Budget.
For more news, go to www.Agri-Pulse.com.
