Under his Make America Healthy Again (MAHA), President Trump has unveiled a commission to tackle ultra-processed foods in schools.
Help leading the charge is Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. The Commissioner expressed his support for the President’s ideas of childhood nutrition and growing health concerns associated with the consumption of ultra-processed foods.
Commissioner Simpson also stated that if any bureaucratic barrier prevents the current federal effort from moving forward, his office will take action in the upcoming legislative session to define and address ultra-processed foods.
The Make America Healthy Again Commission’s Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment states:
“The American diet has shifted dramatically toward ultra-processed foods (UPFs), leading to nutrient depletion, increased caloric intake, and exposure to harmful additives,” Simpson said. “Nearly 70% of children’s calories now come from UPFs, contributing to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.”
Florida’s Department of Agriculture, under Commissioner Simpson, has made it a top priority to help direct more Florida-grown, nutritious foods to Florida schools and food banks. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services administers the National School Lunch Program at the state level, ensuring millions of nutritious meals reach children every year.
In the current state budget, Commissioner Simpson worked with legislative leaders to provide nearly $40 million for the Farmers Feeding Florida initiative. The initiative expands Florida’s food bank infrastructure and links fresh food products grown or produced by Florida farmers to local food banks throughout the state.
“I applaud President Trump’s leadership through the Make America Healthy Again Commission to address childhood nutrition and growing concerns related to ultra-processed foods,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “If bureaucratic games and barriers prevent federal action, we are prepared to take decisive measures here in Florida to define ultra-processed foods and protect our children’s health. Florida’s children deserve better than a diet of ultra-processed foods, and we will continue to prioritize Florida farmers’ fresh, nutritious products on school menus.”
