In Memoriam

The Texas Department of Agriculture lost a dedicated public servant this week in the passing of Fred Higgins. Fred served as Assistant Commissioner for Food and Nutrition since January of 2006. Although Fred’s years were cut short on this earth, his work to improve the health and lives of Texas school children will be remembered for many years.

Tremendous strides were made in a number of areas during Fred’s tenure at TDA. Fred demonstrated a passion for working with his dedicated team members and school personnel throughout the state to make sure good school nutrition policies were implemented.

Fred had a tremendous talent for bringing people together to work in harmony, be it the Education Service Centers (ESCs), school districts or new programs and staff from the Health and Human Services Commission. He worked to strengthen partnerships with providers, expand programs to serve more meals, and advocated for children and nutrition at the local, state and national levels.

TDA will miss Fred as a dedicated colleague, as well as a dear friend.