1. The Power of Promotion The Role of Public Affairs in Nutrition Programs Amanda D. Heitkamp | Public Affairs Specialist USDA, Food and Nutrition Service | Office of the Chief Communications Officer

2. OCCO Mission To keep the American public informed, and establish the conditions that lead to confidence in the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and its work to end hunger and obesity through the administration of 15 federal nutrition assistance programs including WIC, SNAP, and school meals. OFFICE OF THE CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER CommunicationsExternal and Governmental Affairs Media RelationsSocial Media Stakeholder Relations (Partnerships) Governmental Affairs

3. Help Americans Eat Smart and Maintain a Healthy Weight Nutrition Standards – School Meals – CACFP Dietary Guidelines for Americans – Joint effort by HHS and USDA – Coming in December

4. Reduce Food Insecurity by Helping Feed Those in Need Increasing access to our programs – School meals to Summer meals – Community Eligibility Provision

5. Current CN Initiatives Community Eligibility Provision NSLP Electronic Application Challenge Farm to School Team Up for School Nutrition Success Trainings What’s Shaking? Creative Ways to Boost Flavor with Less Sodium

6. Cross Promotion Fact Sheets News Releases Blogs Infographics Pictures and Videos

7. Social Media Twitter – @USDANutrition Facebook – www.facebook.com/USDA Guest Blog – www.blogs.usda.gov

11. National Communication Partners Feeding America Boys and Girls Club National Dairy Council Food Research and Action Center United Way Feed the Children

12. Events Creating Planning Getting Media Attention Work with your FNS regional office

13. Tips to Deal With the Media Develop strategy and messages before you begin the interview. – have some back up ideas/examples to illustrate Do your homework on the topic and reporter. Perfect your listening skills – what are they really asking you?

14. Be very clear on the rules before you go “off the record” or on “background.” Avoid (or at least cut short) “gotcha” or ambush interviews. Offer to follow up with reporter. – check facts or details Let the Regional Office know! Tips to Deal With the Media

15. Regional Office Contacts Mid-Atlantic: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Virginia, Virgin Islands, West Virginia Margarita Maisterrena - (609) 259-5091 Mid-West: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin Alan Shannon - (312) 353-1045 Mountain Plains: Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming David Von Behren - (303) 844-0368 Northeast: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont Cynthia Tackett - (617) 565-6412 Southeast: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee Debbie Smoot - (404) 562-1810 Southwest: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas Leslie Lankster - (214) 290-9834 Western: Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Trust Territories, Washington Veronica Davison – (415) 744-2986