18 June 1997

Hi all,

I just got back from a National Healthy Mothers/Healthy Babies Coalition
meeting, where we were given a proclamation from the Secretary of Agriculture
for World Breastfeeding Week.

NABA had become aware of the fact that USDA,FCS had submitted a proclamation
for Sec. Glickman's signature.  We encouraged the member organizations of the
National Breastfeeding Leadership Roundtable to write and encourage Sec.
Glickman's support.  I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you that
responded to this request, hopefully it was helpful in getting the following
proclamation.

Well, once again partnershipping between all of us and the US government has
produced something that we all have wanted and can be proud of.  Hey we
finally have a proclamation from the US government for WBW.  Rejoice and use
it to add to all WBW plans.

Barbara Heiser, NABA

United States
Department of Agriculture
Office of the Secretary
Washington, DC 20250

WIC National Breastfeeding Week
August 1-7, 1997

By the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States of America

A PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, breastmilk is the optimal and only food an infant needs during the
first 4 to 6 months of life, and it continues to be an important source of
nutrients for at least the first year.

WHEREAS, the United States Department of Agriculture and cooperating State
health departments promote breastfeeding through the Special Supplemental
Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) as well as through
other food assistance programs.

WHEREAS, the number of breastfeeding women served by the WIC Program is
increasing through efforts of the WIC and health care community.

NOW, THEREFORE, to express appreciation for all breastfeeding mothers, and to
thank them and all of their supporters for their efforts, I, Dan Glickman,
Secretary of Agriculture of the United States, do hereby proclaim the week of
August 1-7, 1997, as "WIC National Breastfeeding Week" and call upon public
and private health professionals to celebrate with appropriate ceremonies and
activities that acknowledge efforts of breastfeeding mothers, fathers, their
families, and the health and medical professionals, peer counselors and
others that provide support, encouragement and help so mothers succeed with
breastfeeding.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereto set my hand this 23rd day of May 1997, the
two hundred and twenty-first year of the Independence of the United States of
America.








                                                                          DAN
GLICKMAN
                                                                  Secretary