HHS Launches Eat Real Food Initiative
Published February 23, 2026
By AACOM Government Relations
Advocacy Federal Policy OME Advocate
- On February 11, 2026, HHS hosted a public event to formally launch the “Eat Real Food” initiative, highlighting the role of real, whole foods in improving health outcomes and supporting nutrition security.
- AACOM attended the rally, which featured remarks from federal leadership, including HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other stakeholders emphasizing the importance of dietary patterns rich in minimally processed foods. Federal officials framed the campaign as part of a larger strategy to combat diet-related chronic illness, which accounts for a substantial proportion of U.S. healthcare spending and disease burden.
- This follows the January 7, 2026, release of updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 and last year’s push by HHS and ED to bolster nutrition education in U.S. medical school curricula.
- A recording of the event is available on the HHS YouTube channel.