By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently praised Mom’s Meals, a company delivering taxpayer-funded meals to Medicaid and Medicare enrollees, even though these meals contain numerous ultraprocessed food additives. An Associated Press review reveals the meals, such as chicken bacon ranch pasta, are high in sodium, sugar, or saturated fats and include ingredients that are not easily replicated at home. Nutritionists argue these meals are the type of processed foods that Kennedy routinely criticizes, despite the company’s claims of not including synthetic food dyes or high fructose corn syrup. This comes as the Health Secretary advocates for healthier diets as part of his “Make America Healthy Again” initiative.
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RFK Jr. promoted a food company he says will make Americans healthy. Their meals are ultraprocessed, and it’s a headline that immediately raises eyebrows. Considering his public persona and frequent pronouncements on health, one might expect him to endorse fresh, whole foods. Instead, he’s backing a company whose products are, by definition, heavily processed. It’s a jarring contrast that immediately throws a wrench into any expectations one might have.
This whole situation smacks of something less than ideal. The immediate thought that springs to mind is that this is about money. The cynic in me whispers, “Follow the money.” When someone like RFK Jr., who has a platform and a certain level of public trust, aligns himself with a company pushing ultraprocessed food, the obvious question is, “What’s in it for him?” It’s not uncommon for public figures to be paid to promote products, but the disconnect between the product and the message is glaring.
The definition of “ultraprocessed” is critical here. It’s not just about food being altered. It’s about food that has been extensively changed, often with added fats, sugars, salt, and artificial ingredients to make it shelf stable, and palatable. These foods are often packed with preservatives, additives, and things that many experts agree are less than ideal for our health. Think of it as a patchwork of ingredients, assembled into something that might resemble food but is far from its natural state.
The concept of “health” is another key area that needs definition. What does it mean to be “healthy” in this context? Is it simply about avoiding immediate harm, or is it about long-term well-being? The term gets thrown around a lot, but what qualifies as healthy in the marketing of this food product and is it at odds with the reality?
The irony is almost too much to bear: a food company promising health through meals cooked in plastic trays. If it sounds like an oxymoron, that’s because it might well be. Some might also be prompted to ask about the ingredients. What additives, artificial colors, and preservatives are in these ready-made meals? It’s a valid concern when we’re talking about something that’s designed to be quick, convenient, and shelf-stable, which is exactly what the ultra-processed category is all about.
The reality is that good, unprocessed food is available in the US. However, its cost, and the time to prepare it, present significant challenges. For many Americans, particularly those working long hours for low wages, the convenience and affordability of processed foods are powerful incentives. The economics of healthy eating can be a significant barrier to actually eating healthy.
If we can learn anything it’s that America’s obesity and health problems are driven, in no small part, by economic factors. Cheap, ultraprocessed foods are often the only options available. It’s a vicious cycle: lack of time and resources leading to the consumption of food that contributes to poor health.
Let’s not forget the context. It would seem RFK Jr. has a history of taking some controversial positions and making some rather bold claims. When the product is in direct conflict with those claims, it brings the situation into question. Are we really seeing a genuine desire to improve public health, or is it something else?
This begs the question: why would RFK Jr. promote this particular food company? What could be the motivations? Are they getting paid? Is there some larger strategy at play? Are we seeing a grift?
Ultimately, the situation highlights a larger problem. The American food landscape is filled with contradictions. What’s marketed as “healthy” often bears little resemblance to the truth. And when public figures lend their names to these products, it’s essential to look beyond the surface and ask some hard questions.