Washington - Sam Kass, a White House chef and leader of the first lady's healthy-eating campaign, is stepping down at the end of the month.
Kass, who recently married, is moving to New York where his wife, television journalist Alex Wagner, lives. Kass's presence in Washington's social scene and long ties to the Obama family made him a high-profile figure during his six years here.
He became a regular presence of Washington's top restaurants - a visit from Kass often preceded a coveted visit from Michelle Obama. Behind the scenes at the White House, he largely shaped the first lady's efforts to reduce childhood obesity.
President Barack Obama, who attended Kass's wedding this summer, said in a statement that Kass had “grown from a close friend to a critical member of my team.”
“From constructing our Kitchen Garden to brewing our own Honey Brown Ale, Sam has left an indelible mark on the White House,” Obama said. “And with the work he has done to inspire families and children across this country to lead healthier lives, Sam has made a real difference for our next generation.”
Kass was hired by the Obamas to be the family's personal chef when Barack Obama was elected to the Senate. He became a close friend of the family and his conversations with Michelle Obama were the impetus for her decision to plant a kitchen garden at the White House. He remained her confidant.
“Sam has been an integral part of Let's Move! from its very beginning - from discussions about children's health around my kitchen table in Chicago, to setting the strategic vision of a national campaign in the White House, to spearheading efforts with the private sector across the country,” Michelle Obama said in a statement. “Sam leaves an extraordinary legacy of progress.”
She credited Kass with helping to bring healthier food options to grocery stores, improving the nutrition of school lunches, and working to improve the way healthy foods are marketed to children.
Michelle Obama and Kass have pushed back on efforts to reduce the school lunch standards and deflected criticism from school children and some administrators by pointing out that the next generation of public school children will have a healthier cafeteria experience.
Kass will remain involved with the first lady's healthy eating program. He told the Wall Street Journal, which first reported his departure, that he will take a position in the private sector promoting healthy eating.
“I love this family and believe in the work that we're doing and the mission of the president and the first lady,” Kass told the Journal in an interview. “But after being recently married, I have to put our future first.” - The Washington Post