In Brief 2009-05-01

The Obama Administration has nominated former Iowa State Human Services Director Kevin Concannon to become USDA Undersecretary for Food and Nutrition Services and former SNA President Dr. Janey Thompson to become deputy undersecretary of the department.

Maria DeNicola, MS, RD, has joined Orange Regional Medical Center as director of nutrition and food services. A former nutrition services director at for Lakeland (FL) Regional Medical Center, as well as a past HFM president, DeNicola most recently served as senior sales executive in the Southeast Region for Burlodge USA. Orange operates two campuses in Middletown, NY, and one in Goshen, NY.

FSA Group, the association management firm, has announced a brand repositioning to reflect a recent change in ownership. According to President Tony Butler, the effort includes a new logo, new website (www.aboutfsa.com), and an enhanced business structure. The name of the company was also modified, from FSA Group to FSA Management Group.

UCLA Dining Services is introducing “meatless Thursdays” as part of a campaign to promote sustainability and more healthful dining.

Texas A&M University has named David Riddle executive director of its Department of Dining Services. A 2005 A&M graduate, Riddle previously served as director of Licensing and Intellectual Property Management for the Texas A&M University System.

Sodexo has been named the exclusive food and beverage concessionaire at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, DC. RFK Stadium's prime tenant currently is DC United, the local franchise of Major League Soccer, which opened its season at the end of March and plays through October.

Bon Appétit Management Co. reports that it is ahead of schedule in meeting its carbon footprint reduction commitments for 2009 and is well on its way to achieving its overall reduction commitment of 25 percent by April 2010.

The National Society for Healthcare Foodservice Management (HFM) is seeking top healthcare chefs to participate in its Fifth Annual Culinary Competition. Culinary professionals (chefs, cooks and production personnel) employed at an HFM member facility are eligible. For more info, go to www.hfm.org.

The EPA has announced updated Energy Star requirements for commercial refrigerators and freezers to help businesses easily identify the most energy-efficient equipment. EPA periodically upgrades its Energy Star requirements to reflect industry innovations and new technologies. The revised requirements are scheduled to go into effect immediately for glass and mixed door cabinets and next January for solid door cabinets (for more, go to www.energystar.gov).

Seattle Schools will use central production for all meals. It currently uses its central kitchen only to make meals for elementary and special schools.