U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited a local Head Start program to spotlight the department’s focus on nutrition and healthy eating.
The visit, which took place on Wednesday, March 19, coincides with National Nutrition Month. Kennedy is using this opportunity to reinforce HHS’s commitment to “Make America Healthy Again” by putting nutrition front and center for Head Start grantees.
Kennedy shared on social media, “I had a wonderful visit at a Head Start program in Alexandria, Virginia today. As we celebrate National Nutrition Month, @HHSGov is reinforcing its commitment to Make America Healthy Again by prioritizing healthy eating and nutrition for Head Start grantees. We are encouraging programs to switch from low-fat dairy – which the antiquated Dietary Guidelines require them to promote – to full fat/whole milk.”
I had a wonderful visit at a Head Start program in Alexandria, Virginia today. As we celebrate National Nutrition Month, @HHSGov is reinforcing its commitment to Make America Healthy Again by prioritizing healthy eating and nutrition for Head Start grantees. We are encouraging… pic.twitter.com/M6zxBTtMlH
— Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) March 19, 2025
The exact location of the Head Start program Kennedy visited wasn’t identified in the social media posts, but when downloaded, photos from the event identified the location as the “Greater Mount Vernon Community Head Start Program at the Gum Springs Community Center in Alexandria,” which is located at 8100 Fordson Road, Alexandria (Fairfax County).
Kennedy’s visit highlights a change in nutritional guidance for Head Start programs, especially regarding dairy. This shift from low-fat to full-fat dairy products is a step away from previous dietary advice.
The Secretary’s focus on nutrition fits with the bigger picture of the Head Start program, which aims to prepare young children from low-income families for school through education, health, social services, and more.
