HHS Secretary Sebelius Speaks at United Fresh’s Washington Conference

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius addressed the United Fresh Produce Association’s Washington Public Policy Conference on Sept. 16.

During her speech, the country’s highest-ranking health official discussed the federal commitment to improvements in child nutrition, food safety and health care, as well as the role the produce industry has in these initiatives and their impact on the larger business community.         

“Secretary Sebelius is in a great position to affect lasting change in our industry’s biggest issues,” said United Fresh President Tom Stenzel. “The secretary’s unwavering commitment to a healthier America starts with prevention and wellness, two areas at which eating a diet rich in healthy, fresh fruits and vegetables is at the forefront.”         

Ranked by Modern Healthcare as the second most powerful person in healthcare and by Forbes as the 57th most powerful woman in the world, Sebelius was appointed to the office of Secretary of Health and Human Services by President Barack Obama in April 2009. Sebelius is the former governor of Kansas and the former chair of the Democratic Governor’s Association, and throughout her political career has focused on the issues of education and health care, among others.