Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently flagged ultra-processed foods as a major factor in rising chronic diseases among children. This remark comes alongside the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) strategy report, which aims to tackle health issues though, ironically, it coincides with significant cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Funding has dropped by about 20%, impacting 40% of SNAP recipients, who are children. There have also been severe cuts to the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, including a two-thirds reduction in benefits for fruits and vegetables.
Instead of addressing the broader consequences of these cuts, RFK has focused on what beneficiaries buy with their SNAP funds. New waivers now restrict purchases of unhealthy items like soda and candy, meant to improve the nutritional quality of the SNAP program. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated the goal is to protect children from processed foods and support the President’s vision of healthier America. However, this shift oversimplifies a complex problem.
A 2024 study shows that about 50% of SNAP users experience food insecurity annually. Ultra-processed foods tend to be cheaper and pack more calories, making them a go-to option for those struggling to make ends meet. Even before the cuts, SNAP benefits often fell short of covering grocery costs adequately. In fact, a recent analysis indicated that SNAP provides about $2.84 per meal—20% less than what is needed for a modest meal.
The MAHA initiative’s focus on reducing ultra-processed foods misses a crucial point: nutrition insecurity. Many beneficiaries face not just food insecurity but a lack of access to nutritious food. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines this as “the lack of consistent access to nutritious, safe, and culturally appropriate foods.” Research supports the “Food is Medicine” concept, which suggests that proper nutrition can play a significant role in managing and preventing diseases.
This approach includes initiatives like produce prescriptions and medically tailored meals. They have shown promise in improving various health outcomes, including blood sugar levels and mental well-being. By investing in “Food is Medicine” programs, we could address both the issues targeted by MAHA and support food programs like SNAP and WIC, ultimately enhancing nutritional quality in diets.
Interestingly, there’s a significant need for culturally tailored nutrition, especially among American Indian and Alaskan Native communities. Reports indicate they face food insecurity at twice the rate of white Americans and have the highest rates of type 2 diabetes. These disparities can be traced back to the disruptions caused by colonialism, which introduced processed foods and replaced traditional diets with government-issued items that lack nutritional value.
Restoring access to culturally appropriate foods could help mend some of these health issues. Traditional diets, rich in whole foods like legumes and fish, have been shown to improve health. In contrast, ultra-processed foods are often stripped of essential nutrients, leading to poor health outcomes over time. The cheaper price tag of processed foods—often made from heavily subsidized crops like corn and soy—contributes to their appeal among those on tight budgets.
While MAHA aims to cut out ultra-processed foods, merely removing items from SNAP won’t solve the underlying issues of nutrition insecurity. It may even worsen the situation for vulnerable populations who already lack food options. Therefore, promoting programs that enhance access to traditional and nutritious foods could be more effective in addressing health disparities.
Each of us has a unique relationship with food shaped by our culture and upbringing. Reflecting on your family’s traditional meals can deepen your appreciation for the food you choose today. What were the traditional dishes you grew up with? What ingredients do they highlight? You might find new value in common items like potatoes, squash, or salmon during your next grocery trip.
Jasmyn Burdsall is a Knight-Hennessy scholar pursuing a master’s degree in community health and prevention research and a Ph.D. in epidemiology and clinical research at Stanford School of Medicine.
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