In a nation recovering from the global COVID-19 pandemic, widespread food insecurity, and a healthcare system in desperate need of reform, the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to serve as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) offers transformative leadership. This nomination made by the Trump-Vance Administration demonstrates a commitment to tackling America’s most pressing health challenges with boldness, innovation, and dedication to public health.
RFK, Jr. has a long track record as an advocate for public health, with a focus on cleaner environments, safer communities, and healthier lives. As an environmental lawyer and activist, he has spent decades confronting corporate polluters and advocating for policies that address environmental toxins, a leading cause of poor health outcomes. His ability to bridge divides and work with local leaders, private organizations, and federal agencies is a testament to his practical approach to solving public health challenges.
A critical issue RFK, Jr. has highlighted is food insecurity — a challenge affecting millions of Americans. As of 2023, nearly 34 million Americans, including 9 million children, faced food insecurity. RFK, Jr.’s advocacy for sustainable agriculture and community-based solutions presents a framework for reducing this crisis and creating a healthier, more equitable America.
His practical solutions, especially when addressing food insecurity, highlight his commitment to immediate action and long-term sustainability. Food deserts — areas lacking access to nutritious food — perpetuate health disparities. By expanding programs that bring healthy food options to underserved communities, supporting farmers, and reducing the reliance on processed foods linked to chronic conditions, RFK, Jr. is positioned to lead efforts that help bring nutritional security to vulnerable populations.
His candidacy also aligns with the Trump-Vance Administration’s America First agenda, prioritizing the well-being of Americans, supporting farmers, and fostering community resilience. RFK, Jr.’s proven independence and ability to navigate bipartisan challenges give him a unique capacity to address structural inequities in health and public service.
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I know firsthand how transformative leadership can address food insecurity and nutritional challenges. At Goya Foods, where I’ve had the honor to serve as president and CEO, we’ve embraced the responsibility to address food insecurity and consumer demand for healthier products. Our mission has always been clear: to provide culturally authentic and flavorful food that nourishes families, especially in times of need. Goya expanded its product line to meet consumer demand for healthier options, offering organic and low-sodium products while maintaining authentic flavors. Through cookbooks, school partnerships, and the USDA MyPlate program, Goya promotes healthy eating and nutrition education. In addition to providing vital food donations during times of need, Goya remains committed to creating flavorful, culturally authentic products that support overall wellness.
Addressing food insecurity means ensuring that food doesn’t just fill stomachs, but fuels healthier lives. That’s why we’ve worked tirelessly to deliver over five million pounds of food donations annually to communities in need, responding to natural disasters, food deserts, and global crises. These efforts mirror RFK, Jr.’s vision of sustainable, equitable solutions that make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable populations.
At Goya, we believe that the responsibility doesn’t end with what’s on the shelves; it extends to creating products that help consumers lead healthier lives while honoring cultural traditions. RFK, Jr.’s focus on reducing the environmental causes of diet-related illnesses aligns with this philosophy. Together, his leadership and the example of companies like Goya show that a holistic approach — combining innovation, education, and corporate responsibility — can address food insecurity and improve public health.
As we look ahead, the challenges we face as a Nation are daunting. But under RFK, Jr.’s leadership at HHS, we can embrace real, transformative change in our public health systems. His balance of principle, pragmatism, and compassion makes him the right leader at the right time to drive these critical reforms.
RFK, Jr. understands that the road to a healthier future for America lies not just in policy but in rebuilding trust between communities and their government. In an era when too many Americans feel disconnected from leadership, his efforts to empower local solutions and prioritize patient choice are exactly what we need. His pragmatic approach to healthcare reform and his commitment to promoting personal freedoms provide a path forward that upholds both public health and constitutional rights.
The bold decision by the Trump-Vance Administration to nominate RFK, Jr. exemplifies a willingness to make unconventional yet necessary choices. By working together, we can help shape a healthier and more prosperous future for all Americans — one meal, one family, and one community at a time.
RFK, Jr.’s lifetime commitment to confronting America’s most urgent health challenges makes him the ideal candidate to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. With his leadership, America can prioritize nutrition, address the root causes of chronic health conditions, and create a future where families thrive. His nomination deserves the full support of both sides of the political spectrum as we work toward a healthier and more secure Nation.
Bob Unanue is a senior advisor for America First Works. He is president and chief executive officer of Goya Foods and Goya Cares and served as executive producer of the movie “Sound of Freedom.”
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