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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release May 19, 1997

PRESIDENT NAMES SHIRLEY ROBINSON WATKINS TO BE UNDER SECRETARY FOR FOOD, NUTRITION, AND CONSUMER SERVICES AT THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

The President today announced his intent to nominate Shirley Robinson Watkins to be Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Ms. Watkins, of Hope, Arkansas, currently serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP), USDA. In this position, Ms. Watkins provides leadership and policy for agencies under the MRP. Prior to this appointment, Ms. Watkins served as Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services. She assisted with shaping food assistance programs and consumer outreach. Before coming to the Department of Agriculture, Ms. Watkins served as the Director of Nutrition for Memphis City Schools for 17 years. Shirley Watkins received a B.S. degree from the University of Arkansas and a Masters of Education in supervision from the University of Memphis.

The Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services maintains authority over the Food and Consumer Service. This includes programs such as the Food Stamp Program, the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. In this capacity, the Under Secretary also provides leadership in program planning and coordination of the Department's policies and activities. Ms. Watkins' work will focus specifically on the development and implementation of policies regarding welfare reform.

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