Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson praised the efforts of the Trump administration this week for promoting healthy nutritional options for children while also warning of health concerns associated with the consumption of ultra-processed foods as part of its Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda.
Signaling his support, Simpson also vowed to commit to the policies in Florida, saying the state will take "decisive measures" against possible interruptions.
“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,” Simpson expressed in a release. “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," Simpson concluded.
He also called directing nutritious foods to Florida schools and food banks a "top priority" of his agenda. Moreover, Simpson is in charge of administering the National School Lunch Program at the state level, which gives millions of nutritious meals to children every year.
According to the release, Simpson also helped provide nearly $40 million for the Farmers Feeding Florida program. The initiative strengthens the state's food bank infrastructure and links food products grown or produced by Florida farmers to local food banks across the state.
The lead follows Florida's launch of its own MAHA commission under First Lady Casey DeSantis and Lt. Gov. Jay Collins last month. The commission also includes Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, Healthcare Administration Secretary Shevaun Harris, and others.
The "MAHA" movement was first started by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in 5 U.S. children and adolescents is obese. Rates are also higher among Hispanic and Black Americans.
According to a MAHA report, "The American diet has shifted dramatically toward ultra-processed foods (UPFs), leading to nutrient depletion, increased caloric intake, and exposure to harmful additives. Nearly 70% of children’s calories now come from UPFs, contributing to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.”
