Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson is endorsing President Donald Trump’s efforts to address child nutrition and reduce the consumption of processed food, and wants to implement more such programs in the Sunshine State.
Simpson said in a news release that he’s willing to reduce any barriers that could stall federal efforts. He said he’s committed to moving the issue to the impending Legislative Session in 2026.
“I applaud President Trump’s leadership through the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission to address childhood nutrition and growing concerns related to ultra-processed foods,” Simpson said.
“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. 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.”
The Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment specifically details elements of child nutrition and provides several warnings.
“The American diet has shifted dramatically toward ultra-processed foods (UPFs), leading to nutrient depletion, increased caloric intake, and exposure to harmful additives. Nearly 70% of children’s calories now come from UPFs, contributing to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions,” the assessment report concluded.
The MAHA assessment published earlier this year had some bleak outlooks.
“It presents the stark reality of American children’s declining health, backed by compelling data and long-term trends. More importantly, it seeks to unpack the potential dietary, behavioral, medical, and environmental drivers behind this crisis. By examining the root causes of deteriorating child health, this assessment establishes a clear, evidence-based foundation for the policy interventions, institutional reforms, and societal shifts needed to reverse course.”
Simpson said he has prioritized making more Florida-grown and nutritious foods in schools in the state and at food banks. His Department also oversees the administration of the National School Lunch Program to children across Florida.
Simpson has engaged the Legislature before to secure programs such as the Farmers Feeding Florida initiative that involves about $40 million in funding. That program expands the infrastructure of Florida’s food banks and supplies them with food that is freshly grown in the state by Florida farmers.
