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Secretary Vilsack serves lunch at summer program in Chicago

Published:

July 1, 2009

Texas Conservation Corps members building new trail in Texas in partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife. Texas Conservation Corps is an AmeriCorps service program of American YouthWorks, a nationally recognized nonprofit and charter high school headquartered in Austin, Texas. Each year the program engages over 100 diverse youth and college-aged young adults in critical, hands-on conservation and disaster service projects, giving participants the skills and opportunities to solve real life community and

Earlier this week, Secretary Vilsack rolled up his sleeves as part of the Obama administration's United We Serve summer service initiative by visiting the St. Agatha Family Empowerment Center in Chicago. Excited youngsters left a nearby playground and lined up as Secretary Vilsack helped serve lunches at the Center as part of the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack serving food to kids in Chicago

Local religious leaders from three faiths helped the Secretary serve fajitas, apples and milk to around a hundred of the city’s West Side youth. The Secretary chatted with children ranging from toddlers to high schoolers while serving spoonfuls of diced cheese and hot sauce.

After all the children had eaten, the Secretary, joined by religious leaders, handed out goodie bags which included popular USDA Frisbees, bracelets and nutrition-related activity sheets.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack distributing nutrition goody bags in Chicago