Goals of the Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services include combatting obesity, promoting better eating and physical activity habits, and helping needy families obtain a nutritious diet.[1] According to The New York Times, the nutrition segment of the Department of Agriculture received 53% of the department's budget at the time of the creation of the position.[2]
The Under Secretary is appointed by the President and confirmed by the United States Senate. The Under Secretary manages the Food and Nutrition Services and the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion.[3] President Trump did not nominate anyone for that position for the first three years of his presidency. He announced his intent to nominate Brandon Lipps on December 2019, and forwarded his nomination to the Senate on January 6, 2020. His nomination was never confirmed.[4] On February 16, 2023, President Biden appointed Stacy Dean for this Deputy Under Secretary position.[5]
Mary Ann Keeffe served as Acting Under Secretary between administrations.[13] The position was created on September 7, 1993, when Secretary of AgricultureMike Espy announced that the title of Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Food and Consumer Services would be elevated to the present Under Secretary of Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services title.[2]