West Virginians will have an opportunity to hear from Kevin Concannon, United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) under secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services. Concannon will be the keynote speaker for Catholic Charities West Virginia’s (CCWVa) Autumn Gathering Oct. 23 in Charleston, W.Va. Concannon will deliver a presentation titled “The Partnership of Faith-Based Organizations and Government Assistance Programs in Addressing Hunger.”
Concannon has served in his current role since 2009. Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services includes the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP). Working in partnership with state and local organizations, FNS oversees many nutrition programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services of the USDA
Denise Ferris, RD, LD, DrPh, a consultant for the West Virginia WIC Program who heard Concannon speak at the 2014 National WIC Association Conference, said: “I was very impressed with his depth of knowledge, [and] also his connection with WIC staff and participants and his grasp of what was really going on at a local level. His compassion and commitment really came through.”
CCWVa’s Fifth Annual Autumn Gathering will be held in Charleston at the Embassy Suites. The event is an opportunity for people of all faiths to come together in support of ending the cycle of poverty in West Virginia, CCWVa officials said.
“Mr. Concannon brings a wealth of experience from the faith community and the government in addressing hunger. His work not only supports the vital work of CCWVa, but it is also an example of genuine compassion and dedication in the public sector,” said Mark Sliter, CCWVa executive director.
Tickets for the event are $95 per person, and sponsorships are available. For more information or to register, individuals can call (888) 900-2989 or visit https://catholiccharitieswv.org/events/5th-annual-autumn-gathering/.
