RFK Jr. is waging war on soda and junk food in schools, declaring “food is medicine” as part of Trump’s bold Make America Healthy Again initiative. The Health Secretary’s partnership with West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey marks a significant shift in how government addresses America’s growing health crisis.
At a glance:
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey are leading a “Food is Medicine” initiative, banning synthetic food dyes and harmful preservatives in schools by 2028
• The pair seeks to eliminate soda from SNAP benefit eligibility, preventing taxpayer subsidies for unhealthy beverages
• Kennedy compared today’s food industry to Big Tobacco and emphasized personal health as a patriotic duty
• West Virginia is implementing work requirements for most SNAP recipients to address low workforce participation
• The initiative is part of Trump’s broader Make America Healthy Again movement gaining bipartisan support across states
Trump Administration Takes Aim at America’s Health Crisis
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health and Human Services Secretary under President Trump, is spearheading the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement with a focus on school nutrition and government food programs. Kennedy’s initiative aims to address the root causes of chronic diseases by reforming how Americans eat, particularly children in public schools.
The Trump administration’s approach represents the first time in American history that the federal government has made reversing the chronic disease crisis a primary goal. Kennedy’s partnership with West Virginia puts action behind the administration’s promises to improve public health through better nutrition.
During a press conference with Governor Morrisey, Kennedy highlighted the stark contrast between America’s health during his uncle’s presidency and today. “When my uncle was President, 3% of Americans had chronic disease, and we spent zero dollars on chronic disease in this country,” Kennedy stated, emphasizing the need for preventive measures.
West Virginia has emerged as the first state to fully embrace Trump’s MAHA vision, with Governor Morrisey signing legislation to ban synthetic food dyes and certain preservatives in schools. The Mountain State faces some of the nation’s highest rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Targeting Soda and Processed Foods
A key component of the initiative involves eliminating soda from SNAP benefit eligibility, preventing taxpayer dollars from subsidizing unhealthy beverage choices. Kennedy and Morrisey are requesting federal waivers from the Department of Agriculture to implement these changes in West Virginia first, with hopes other states will follow.
“We’re cleaning up our foods, promoting exercise, and putting nutrition back into SNAP. I’m committed to Secretary Kennedy’s vision for America and raising health standards here in the Mountain State,” Morrisey declared during the joint announcement.
The CDC has linked sugar-sweetened beverages to increased risks of chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. This focus on soda consumption aligns with broader efforts to improve nutritional standards by minimizing ultra-processed foods in schools.
Not everyone supports the soda restrictions, with American Beverage Association representative Meredith Potter arguing that “soda is not driving obesity in this country.” The beverage industry claims cutting soda from SNAP benefits won’t save money or improve health outcomes.
Expanding MAHA Across America
Kennedy is actively encouraging other states to adopt similar measures and submit their own waivers to the Department of Agriculture. The Health Secretary compared the food industry to Big Tobacco, suggesting their resistance comes from fear of a state-by-state approach to food regulation.
During his visit to West Virginia, Kennedy made a patriotic appeal for personal health responsibility, stating: “If you love this country, you need to start taking care of yourself.” The Health Secretary’s message ties individual health choices to national strength and security.
Arizona has already implemented its own Healthy Schools Act, banning ultra-processed foods with harmful additives in public school meals. These state-level initiatives show growing momentum for the MAHA agenda, with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins expressing support for these collaborative efforts.
Governor Morrisey is also implementing work requirements for most SNAP recipients, citing West Virginia’s low workforce participation. “Outside of limited exceptions, if you have the ability to work, you should,” Morrisey stated, connecting health initiatives with broader economic reforms.
