RFK Visits Tennessee Capitol to Discuss Diet and Processed Foods

Kennedy promotes HHS "Take Back Your Health" campaign against ultra-processed foods

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy visited the Tennessee State Capitol as part of the "Take Back Your Health Campaign," an HHS initiative to encourage Americans to eat more "real food" and avoid processed foods. Kennedy cited studies linking processed foods to rising rates of chronic diseases like autism, diabetes, and obesity, and praised Tennessee's recent legislation banning synthetic food dyes in schools and restricting SNAP benefits for high-sugar foods.

Why it matters

The campaign against processed foods is part of a broader effort by the federal government to address the country's growing health crisis, with 40% of taxpayer dollars going towards treating chronic diseases. Kennedy's visit to Tennessee highlights the state's role as a testing ground for new policies aimed at improving public health outcomes, which currently rank poorly compared to national averages.

The details

During his visit, Kennedy was met by a small group of protesters in lab coats holding signs criticizing his lack of medical credentials. However, he was flanked by Tennessee's Republican legislative leadership, who praised his work on initiatives like the Rural Health Transformation Program, a $50 billion federal effort to modernize rural healthcare. Kennedy emphasized the mental health benefits of dietary changes, citing studies showing improvements in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

  • Kennedy visited the Tennessee State Capitol on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
  • Last year, Tennessee passed legislation banning synthetic food dyes in public schools and restricting SNAP benefits for high-sugar foods.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, leading the "Take Back Your Health Campaign" against ultra-processed foods.

William Lamberth

Tennessee House Majority Leader, who praised the state's recent legislation banning cell phones in classrooms.

Jack Johnson

Tennessee Senate Majority Leader, who thanked Kennedy for his work on the Rural Health Transformation Program.

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What they’re saying

“Today, we have the highest chronic disease rate of any nation. 40% of every taxpayer dollar is going to the federal government to treat chronic disease, and we're hurting our country in all these different ways.”

— Robert F. Kennedy, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services

“Our job is not to tell Americans what to eat... but we're going to tell you what the cost is. It seems cheap at the grocery store, but the long term cost may not be worth it. We're going to let you know that.”

— Robert F. Kennedy, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services

What’s next

The Tennessee legislature will consider further legislation to restrict the use of SNAP benefits for high-sugar foods and continue implementing the Rural Health Transformation Program to improve healthcare access in rural communities.

The takeaway

Kennedy's visit to Tennessee highlights the federal government's growing focus on addressing the country's chronic health crisis through initiatives targeting diet and processed foods. While some may criticize the government's role, the campaign aims to empower consumers with information about the long-term costs of unhealthy eating habits.