Cindy Long, former Deputy Undersecretary for Food Nutrition and Consumer Services at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is a National Advisor at Manatt, where she provides strategic counsel for clients managing food, nutrition and agriculture.

Cindy has a long and successful history with the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), having most recently served as its Administrator. In this role, she led the development and implementation of national policy for all domestic nutrition assistance programs including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Child Nutrition Programs and WIC Program. She developed strategies for improving program policy and delivery, led stakeholder and public engagement supporting implementation, and led the agency of 1,800 professionals.

Previously, Cindy was the Deputy Administrator for Child Nutrition Programs, where she led FNS’ implementation of the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act, the most significant restructuring of these programs in decades and a legislative centerpiece of the Obama-Biden Administration’s nutrition initiatives.

Cindy has also served FNS in other roles, including leadership of regional offices and research and analysis initiatives in support of domestic nutrition assistance programs. She has extensive experience in budget and appropriations issues, including several years with the Office of Management and Budget, and also has experience in the private and nonprofit sectors. She has received numerous recognitions and awards, including the Presidential Rank Award and multiple USDA Honor Awards.