doi:10.7916/xb1z-dk09Oral history interview with Kevin W. Concannon, 2021Concannon, Kevin William, 1940-oral historiesmixed materialPresidents--United StatesChildren--Nutrition--United StatesSchool breakfast programs--United StatesFood relief--United StatesConcannon, Kevin William, 1940-Obama, BarackVilsack, Thomas JSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (U.S.)Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (U.S.)School Nutrition AssociationSpecial Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (U.S.)United States Department of AgricultureUnited StatesUnited States. Dietary Guidelines Advisory CommitteeHealthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010Kevin Concannon discusses his work as director of the Iowa Department of Human Services, including expanding the SNAP food stamp program, and how his relationship with Tom Vilsack led to his appointment as undersecretary for food and nutrition service (FNS) within the Department of Agriculture from 2009 to 2017. At FNS, Concannon talks about working with states; visiting local schools, food banks, and other care centers; creatively using waivers for Medicaid and other programs; reconceptualizing data; and helping people (especially seniors, workers, and Latinos) receive the benefits they needed. Concannon delves into school meals programs, including the interventions of behaviorists; industry and company challenges to policies; benefits of school breakfast programs; summer meals; and the impact of child nutrition on the workforce, military readiness, and international competitiveness. Concannon discusses the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act: changes in nutritional guidelines, collaborating with the Department of Defense to get healthy food to rural communities, specific provisions (ex. on vending machines), and working with Congress to get the act passed. He describes nutrition guidelines for the Women, Infants, and Children program and the School Nutrition Association, how the Trump administration politicized these guidelines, and the dietary guidelines and their scientific advisory committee. Also discussed are the electronic benefit card, making SNAP eligible at farmers' markets, and changing public perception of food assistance programs