Draft outlines MAHA efforts | Arkansas Democrat Gazette
arkansasonline.com -- Saturday, August 16, 2025, 3:58:37 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Presidential Campaigns

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WASHINGTON -- A report that U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has promised will improve the health of America's children does not call on the government to make significant changes to its food or farming policies, according to a draft document obtained by The Associated Press.
The "Make America Healthy Again" strategy report is supposed to be one of Kennedy's signature achievements as the nation's health secretary, giving the government a roadmap to help its citizens lose weight, reduce chronic diseases and exercise more. Before coming to Washington, Kennedy had spent much of his career decrying the harms of chemicals sprayed on crops, prescription drugs, ultra-processed foods and vaccines.
His coalition, then, has expected him to take bold action as the nation's top health leader. But a draft of what has been called the "MAHA" report, first reported by The New York Times Thursday night, mostly calls on the government to further study chronic diseases, bad air quality, Americans' diets and prescription drug use.
The report lays out four problem areas -- poor diet, chemical exposure, lack of physical activity and overuse of medications -- that are to blame for chronic diseases in the U.S.
The White House has held off on publicly releasing the report, which was submitted to President Donald Trump on Tuesday. The latest report is the policy companion to a MAHA report released in May, which was found to have several errors in it.
White House spokesman Kush Desai refused to confirm whether the copy obtained by The Associated Press was a final version, though HHS officials have insisted the report has been finalized since Tuesday.
"President Trump pledged to Make America Healthy Again, and the Administration is committed to delivering on that pledge with Gold Standard Science," Desai said. "Until officially released by the White House and MAHA Commission, however, any documents purporting to be the second MAHA Report should be considered as nothing more than speculative literature."
Some in the agricultural industry had warily anticipated the report, fearing it would call for bans or investigations into the use of pesticides and herbicides that farmers in the U.S. regularly spray on crops to control weeds and enhance yields. Other farmers were concerned about how the report may target the use of corn syrup, a common sweetener, in American foods. Both products have been a central talking point in Kennedy's MAHA movement, which has attracted a diverse coalition of suburban and rural moms, Trump supporters and liberals concerned about the nation's food supply.
Instead, the report calls for an "awareness" campaign to raise confidence in pesticides.
Concerns from the agricultural industry waned as the report hit the president's desk, with one of Kennedy's closest advisers, Calley Means, calling for MAHA supporters to work with major farm companies on Tuesday.
Means also acknowledged that the "pace of political change" can be frustrating.
"We need to build bridges," Means said, adding that: "We are not going to win if the soybean farmers and the corn growers are our enemy."
Means did not respond to a request for comment on Friday. A spokesman for Kennedy also declined to comment.
The report urges the National Institutes of Health -- which is facing a 40% cut to its budget under the Trump administration -- to undertake several studies on Americans' health, including research on vaccine injury, autism, air quality, water quality, prescription drugs and nutrition.
Savannah Knott hangs up her backpack for the day on the first day in her second grade classroom at Mary Carrico Catholic School, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, in Knottsville, Ky. (Greg Eans/The Messenger-Inquirer via AP)
Sign Our PetitionThe recent unveiling of the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) report, led by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., raises significant questions about the commitment of the current administration to truly reform the health of America’s children. While the report identifies critical issues such as poor diet, chemical exposure, lack of physical activity, and overmedication as contributing factors to chronic diseases, it disappointingly stops short of advocating for substantial changes to food and farming policies. This hesitance signals a troubling adherence to the status quo, particularly in the context of historical struggles against corporate influence in public health and agriculture.
To frame this within a historical context, the United States has a long legacy of prioritizing corporate interests over public welfare. From the tobacco industry’s decades-long denial about the health risks of smoking to the current struggles against the power of agribusiness and pharmaceutical companies, the narrative is alarmingly consistent. The MAHA report's failure to propose definitive action against harmful agricultural practices, such as the widespread use of pesticides and genetically modified organisms, reflects a broader trend where political leadership often opts for protective measures for industry rather than safeguarding public health. This is emblematic of a systemic issue in American governance, where corporate lobbying frequently undermines grassroots health initiatives.
Moreover, the report’s approach to food policy not only perpetuates the existing system but also ignores the historical context of food justice movements. For decades, marginalized communities have fought against the detrimental impacts of industrial agriculture, including food deserts and the proliferation of ultra-processed foods that contribute to health disparities. By not calling for a reevaluation of the agricultural practices that disproportionately affect low-income and rural populations, the MAHA report misses an opportunity to address the complex interplay between food systems and social equity. It is crucial to recognize that health is not merely an individual issue but a collective societal challenge that demands systemic change.
The release of a report that merely encourages "awareness" about pesticides, while failing to address their harmful impacts, suggests a troubling acquiescence to agribusiness concerns. The resistance from agricultural stakeholders to potential reforms indicates a powerful lobbying presence that continues to thwart meaningful advancements in public health policy. This dynamic underscores an ongoing struggle—a fight for regulatory measures that would prioritize the well-being of citizens over corporate profits, a struggle that requires persistent advocacy and engagement from all corners of society.
As we consider the implications of the MAHA report, it becomes clear that the path to a healthier America must involve rigorous scrutiny of our food systems, an embrace of sustainable agricultural practices, and a commitment to dismantling the power structures that enable corporate malfeasance. For advocates of social and environmental justice, this moment calls for renewed efforts to demand transparency and accountability from our leaders. Engaging in dialogues that emphasize the need for comprehensive health reform, connecting these discussions to historical injustices and contemporary struggles, is essential in mobilizing a coalition that can challenge the entrenched interests that continue to dictate public health policy. The health of our children and communities depends on it.
The recent draft of the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) report, issued by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., presents a troubling yet predictable reality about the prioritization of public health in American policy. The report identifies critical issues such as poor diet, chemical exposure, lack of physical activity, and the overuse of medications but stops short of proposing significant reforms in food and farming practices. This choice reflects not only a missed opportunity to address systemic issues affecting the health of American citizens but also underscores the broader political and economic forces at play in policy-making—forces that often prioritize the interests of agribusiness and pharmaceutical companies over genuine public health concerns.
Historically, the U.S. has grappled with the interplay between corporate interests and public health. For decades, agricultural policies have favored large agribusinesses that rely heavily on pesticides, herbicides, and ultra-processed foods. As a result, the American diet has become increasingly unhealthy, contributing to a staggering rise in obesity and chronic diseases. Despite the wealth of research linking these agricultural practices to adverse health outcomes, the reluctance of policymakers to confront these issues reflects the entrenchment of corporate lobbying and influence in Washington. The MAHA report's failure to recommend decisive actions against harmful chemicals or the pervasive use of corn syrup highlights a troubling continuity in U.S. health policy—one that prioritizes industry profits over the well-being of the populace.
So, what can we, as concerned citizens, do about this? First and foremost, we must advocate for comprehensive reforms in agricultural policy that prioritize public health. This could include pushing for stricter regulations on pesticide use, supporting sustainable farming practices, and promoting transparency in food labeling. Grassroots movements focused on local agriculture and community gardens can also empower citizens to reclaim control over their food sources and make healthier choices. Additionally, engaging in dialogues with local representatives about the importance of health-centered policies can elevate public health as a political priority, compelling elected officials to consider the health implications of their policy decisions.
Education plays a critical role in this endeavor. By raising awareness about the connections between food systems and health outcomes, we can foster a culture of informed consumers who demand better from both their food suppliers and their government. Initiatives that promote nutritional education in schools and communities can help citizens recognize the value of whole foods over processed ones. Furthermore, by utilizing social media platforms and community forums, we can amplify these discussions and create a network of advocates committed to making healthier choices accessible to all Americans.
Lastly, the MAHA report serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in government. We must hold our leaders responsible for the promises they make, especially regarding public health. This involves demanding transparency in the decision-making processes and advocating for policies grounded in scientific evidence rather than corporate interests. By mobilizing our communities, educating ourselves and others, and demanding accountability from our representatives, we can begin to shift the narrative around health policy in America toward one that genuinely prioritizes the well-being of its citizens. In doing so, we can contribute to a healthier future that reflects the needs and rights of all Americans, not just the interests of a select few.
To address the issues raised in the recent article about the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) strategy report, individuals can take several meaningful actions. Here is a detailed list of ideas and actions that can be pursued:
### 1. Advocacy for Stronger Food and Farming Policies - **Action**: Advocate for a comprehensive review and reform of food and farming policies. - **How**: Write to your local and state representatives, urging them to prioritize health-focused agricultural policies. - **Who to Write**: - **U.S. Senator**: [Insert your state's senator name] - Email: [senator's email address] - **U.S. Representative**: [Insert your district's representative name] - Email: [representative's email address] - **What to Say**: “Dear [Representative/Senator's Name], I am writing to urge you to support comprehensive reforms in our food and farming policies that prioritize public health, sustainable agriculture, and reduce reliance on harmful pesticides and ultra-processed foods. It is crucial for the health of our children and future generations.”
### 2. Support Sustainable Agriculture Practices - **Action**: Promote and support local sustainable farms. - **How**: Purchase produce from farmers' markets, join community-supported agriculture (CSA), or advocate for local farm-to-school programs. - **Example**: Join a CSA like [insert local CSA name or link]. ### 3. Raise Awareness on Pesticide Use - **Action**: Educate yourself and your community about the effects of pesticides and chemicals in food production. - **How**: Host community workshops or discussions focused on the impact of pesticides on health. - **Example**: Collaborate with local health organizations or environmental groups to organize an event.
### 4. Engage in Petitions and Campaigns - **Action**: Sign and promote petitions that advocate for healthier food policies. - **How**: Look for petitions on platforms like Change.org or local advocacy groups. - **Example**: Sign a petition calling for stricter regulations on pesticide use in agriculture, such as [insert relevant petition link]. ### 5. Contact Health Organizations - **Action**: Reach out to health organizations to express concern over the current MAHA report's lack of action. - **How**: Email or call organizations like the American Public Health Association or the Center for Science in the Public Interest. - **Who to Write**: - **American Public Health Association**: info@apha.org - **Center for Science in the Public Interest**: info@cspinet.org - **What to Say**: “Dear [Organization Name], I urge you to take a strong stance against the MAHA report’s lack of comprehensive action on food policies. It is imperative that our health organizations push for meaningful change to protect the health of our children and communities.”
### 6. Promote Healthy Eating Initiatives - **Action**: Advocate for programs that promote healthy eating and physical activity in schools. - **How**: Partner with local schools to implement health education programs or organize workshops for parents and children. - **Example**: Start a petition to introduce nutrition education in schools—gather signatures and present it to the school board.
### 7. Utilize Social Media for Advocacy - **Action**: Use social media platforms to raise awareness and mobilize others around food policy reform. - **How**: Share articles, post infographics, and create awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of healthy food systems. - **Example**: Create a hashtag campaign such as #HealthyFoodRevolution to encourage discussions on social media.
### 8. Attend Local Town Hall Meetings - **Action**: Participate in local government meetings to voice concerns regarding food policies. - **How**: Find out when your local town hall meetings are scheduled and prepare a statement to present. - **Example**: Check your city’s official website for upcoming meetings and agendas.
By taking these actions, individuals can contribute to a collective effort towards advocating for healthier food systems and farming practices that prioritize public health. It is essential to remain engaged and proactive in promoting policies that align with the well-being of communities and future generations.