Dr. Janey Thornton, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) deputy under secretary for food, nutrition and consumer services, will be a guest speaker at the 2010 American Culinary Federation National Convention taking place Aug. 2 to 5 in Anaheim, Calif.

Thornton (pictured) was appointed to her current position by President Barack Obama on April 1, 2009, and is responsible for developing and promoting science-based dietary guidance and administering the USDA's 15 nutrition-assistance programs.

At the ACF National Convention, Thornton will discuss the partnership between ACF and the USDA as it relates to educating the public on childhood nutrition and healthy eating as well as the Chefs Move to Schools program. The program, launched on the South Lawn of the White House June 4 by First Lady Michelle Obama and White House assistant chef and food initiative coordinator Sam Kass, will be run through the USDA.

The ACF National Convention, hosted by ACF Orange Empire Chefs & Professional Cooks Association, is expected to bring together more than 2,000 chefs, cooks, culinary students and foodservice professionals from across the country. For more information, visit www.acfchefs.org.

Photo courtesy of the USDA