WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is pushing for major changes to school meals and federal food assistance programs, backing efforts to eliminate synthetic food dyes linked to health concerns.
In West Virginia, Gov. Patrick Morrisey is leading a new
initiative to ban artificial food dyes from school meals, making his state one of the first to take such action.
"Kids deserve better. And now they're going to get it," Morrisey said.
Kennedy joined Morrisey on Friday in supporting the measure, which targets additives such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1, commonly found in processed foods.
"Food is medicine. It treats us in different ways, and it treats our health," Kennedy said.
The move is part of a broader effort by HHS to encourage states to remove artificial additives from school meals. Kennedy cited studies linking synthetic dyes to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and certain cancers.
The impact could extend beyond schools. HHS is considering updates to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to promote healthier food options for low-income families.
West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, a Republican, voiced support for the initiative.
"These sodas are laden with sugar and other additives that lead to obesity issues, not just in adults, but in our children," Capito said.
However, some lawmakers remain skeptical. Rep. Jahana Hayes, a Connecticut Democrat, criticized the proposed changes to SNAP, arguing they do not address real concerns.
"It is yet another attempt to further demonize people and devalue their humanity because they rely on SNAP benefits," Hayes said.
Critics also warn that restricting food options could drive up costs and limit choices for families. ...read more read less
