Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has thrown his support behind the efforts of President Trump’s Make America Healthy Again Commission to combat the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in schools, stating that Florida is ready to take decisive action if federal progress stalls.
In a statement released today, Commissioner Simpson lauded President Trump’s initiative, which aims to address mounting concerns over childhood nutrition and the health risks linked to diets heavy in UPFs.
“I applaud President Trump’s leadership through the Make America Healthy Again Commission to address childhood nutrition and growing concerns related to ultra-processed foods,” Commissioner Simpson said.
Florida Prepared to Act
Simpson, however, signaled a clear intention to move forward at the state level should “bureaucratic games and barriers prevent federal action.” He committed to defining and addressing ultra-processed foods during Florida’s upcoming legislative session.
“If bureaucratic games and barriers prevent federal action, we are prepared to take decisive measures here in Florida to define ultra-processed foods and protect our children’s health,” Simpson asserted.
He emphasized the need for better options for Florida’s youth, stating, “Florida’s children deserve better than a diet of ultra-processed foods, and we will continue to prioritize Florida farmers’ fresh, nutritious products on school menus.”
READ: Following Illnesses Simpson Urges Residents To Choose Pasteurized Milk From Florida Farms
The Scope of the Problem
The Commissioner’s comments follow findings from the Commission’s Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment, which highlights a dramatic shift in the American diet.
According to the assessment, nearly 70% of children’s calories now come from ultra-processed foods. This shift is linked to “nutrient depletion, increased caloric intake, and exposure to harmful additives,” and contributes to a rise in conditions such as obesity and diabetes.
Prioritizing Florida-Grown Foods
The Commissioner’s commitment aligns with his existing priorities at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), which administers the National School Lunch Program in the state. Simpson has made it a central goal to direct more Florida-grown, nutritious products to local schools and food banks.
READ: Florida Legislature Passes Historic Farm Bill, Championed By Commissioner Simpson
In line with this, the current state budget, secured through his collaboration with legislative leaders, provides nearly $40 million for the Farmers Feeding Florida initiative. This program is designed to expand the state’s food bank infrastructure and connect fresh food from local farmers directly to food banks across Florida.
The move underscores a growing state-level focus on utilizing local agricultural products to improve public health outcomes for Florida’s children.
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