White House chef departs administration to focus on his new wife, MSNBC host, Alex Wagner. White House chef, Sam Kass, has announced that after six years with the Obama administration, he is leaving Washington for New York. His departure has many speculating about the fate of the programs he launched with Michelle Obama.
White House chef departs, but this does not mean the Obamas will be eating pizza every day. Sam Kass, a longtime friend of the Obama family, has announced that he is leaving his post as White House chef.
Mr Kass was also First Lady Michelle Obama‘s personal chef and was named the very first White House senior policy adviser on nutrition. The White House chef played a critical role in Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” initiative, which was launched in 2009 in order to end childhood obesity in America.
The program, which promotes good eating habits and active lifestyle, was supposed to reduce the risk of asthma, hepatic steatosis, sleep apnea, and type 2 diabetes in children and young adults.
Kass had a hand in crafting the Department of Agriculture’s new school nutrition standards, which were often blasted by Republicans like Sarah Palin and Rush Limbaugh.
Kass, who was dubbed the food policy czar, worked tirelessly alongside the First Lady to promote healthy eating by appearing in ads. The famous vegetable garden in the White House garden exists partially because of Krass.
The statements issued by Barack and Michelle Obama, revealed that the White House chef will leave at the end of 2014 because he has plans to move to New York to be with wife, MSNBC host, Alex Wagner.
But many are claiming that the real reason for Kass’ exit is because the next big spending bill that will be unveiled soon, will gut out some of those reforms he put in place with Obama.
President Obama had the following to say about the chef who cooked his meals seven days a week for six years:
“From constructing our Kitchen Garden to brewing our own Honey Brown Ale, Sam has left an indelible mark on the White House.And with the work he has done to inspire families and children across this country to lead healthier lives, Sam has made a real difference for our next generation.”
Mrs Obama also thanked Sam Kass for his hard work:
“Sam has been an integral part of Let’s Move! from its very beginning–from discussions about children’s health around my kitchen table in Chicago, to setting the strategic vision of a national campaign in the White House, to spearheading efforts with the private sector across the country.”
Michelle Obama went on to add:
“Sam leaves an extraordinary legacy of progress, including healthier food options in grocery store aisles, more nutritious school lunches, and new efforts that have improved how healthy food is marketed to our kids.”
White House chef departs, leaving some people wondering if his successor will be as active in policy matters.
