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In addition to traditional cooking duties, White House chef Sam Kass is supporting the charge toward child nutrition reform and obesity prevention, the New York Times reports. Serving in a dual role as assistant White House chef and food initiative coordinator, Kass has "emerged as one of the most high-profile promoters" of first lady Michelle Obama's efforts to promote health and wellness. Kass has acted as a major force behind the creation of the White House garden and subsequent efforts to include foods from the garden into meals served to the first family. In addition, Kass advises the first lady on nutrition policy, attends briefings on child nutrition and health and has spoken with potential partners regarding White House food initiatives. Specifically, Kass and other officials believe that improving the nutritional quality of school lunches and increasing access to farmers' markets will have a positive impact on lower-income communities. Proponents of sustainable farming and locally grown organic foods praise Kass' involvement, with one chef noting that, together with the first lady, he is helping Americans "think about food in a different way" (Swarns, New York Times, 11/3/09 [subscription required]).