Kennedy Talks Healthy Eating Choices In Charlotte

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 06/16/2026) (CHARLOTTE) – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Director Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. pushed his new inverted food pyramid that focuses on meats, dairy and produce during a forum on healthy eating and avoiding obesity, held at Country Mill.

For the second straight day, U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Charlotte) hosted a member of President Donald Trump's administration to speak favorably about the vision being laid out by the White House and Republican congressional leaders.

On the menu was food with a focus on whole grains, fewer refined carbohydrates, limited highly processed foods and water.

The issue of vaccinations never came up. Instead, the focus stayed on the food pyramid and eating the right amount for you based on age, sex, size and activity level. He encouraged Michiganders to reduce their consumption of processed and fast foods in favor of fresh, home-cooked meals centered on fruits, vegetables, meats and whole grains.

The panel, which also included Michigan Farm Bureau President Ben LaCross; Alyssa Sanford, a farmer and education representative for the Bureau and Hannah Anderson, Senior Director at the America First Policy Institute.

The event, titled “Healthy America,” focused primarily on the administration’s efforts to address obesity-related chronic health conditions. Barrett and Kennedy highlighted key elements of the Great American Healthcare Plan and praised Kennedy’s revised food pyramid and outlined the administration’s ongoing health policy priorities.

The panel was briefly interrupted by a few audience members who shouted questions about rising healthcare costs and cuts to Medicaid and Medicare. In response, Kennedy and Sanford acknowledged the need for stronger regulations to ensure that federal healthcare funding more effectively benefits patients. They also highlighted the administration’s efforts to reduce prescription drug costs through the Trump Rx initiative.

The audience members were promptly escorted out by security as attendees applauded and the panel resumed.

"A healthier America starts with better nutrition, greater transparency and America First policies that empower individuals and families to take charge of their health," said America First Policy Institute Interim President and CEO Greg Sindelar. "We are honored to welcome Secretary Kennedy, Rep. Barrett and other special guests to discuss the policies and ideas that will strengthen the well-being of communities across the nation."

In response, Justin Mendoza – executive director of Progress Michigan – said Michigan families are facing a health care crisis of “epic proportions because Congressional Republicans like Tom Barrett voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” Now, 71% of Michigan Affordable Care Act plans saw premiums increase by 15% or more this year.

“Having RFK Jr. and Tom Barrett co-headline an event about health is like having Kid Rock headline Electric Forest — it just doesn’t make any sense," Mendoza said.