Contact Jean Daniel (703) 305-2286
jean.daniel@fns.usda.gov  

WASHINGTON, September 28, 2000 - Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman has announced that USDA’s Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services and Agricultural Research Service have signed an agreement to establish a Center for Excellence for Food, Nutrition and Health Promotion at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The partnership was announced by Glickman at Southern University in July.

Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, Shirley R. Watkins stated, "We’re proud that the Center of Excellence at Southern University and A&M College will address the issues of food, nutrition and health promotion for the recipients of our Programs. Through this partnership future food and nutrition professionals will be trained while testing intervention efforts to reduce food insecurity of low income children and their families in the Mississippi Delta area."

The goals of the Center are to improve the nutritional status of children and low-income persons; and to research and test techniques and methods to promote optimum health while developing experientially trained professionals in nutrition and health promotion. This cooperative partnership awards $100,000 to Southern University and A&M College.

"It’s always especially gratifying when government entities like USDA can partner with an effective educational institution like Southern University and A&M College," Watkins said. " Partnerships like these can leverage resources and put ideas directly to work."

Established in 1992, the Centers of Excellence Program is designed to establish partnerships between 1890 Institutions and USDA Agencies. The goal for Centers of Excellence is to enhance the capabilities of the Institution in the delivery of USDA programs. This new Center of Excellence will receive seed money in the amount of $100,000 to assist in the strengthening of existing programs.

#

Back to the top