Manitowoc County’s congressman in Washington continues to support changes for children’s health.
Sixth District Congressman Glenn Grothman joined the Education and Workforce Committee in Washington last week to hear testimony from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Rep. Grothman says he voiced his strong support for the department’s efforts to promote healthier living, including the updated food pyramid and renewed focus on better nutrition.
Kennedy testified that the food pyramid was created by lobbyists and reflected what they wanted and not what was good for public health.
“It pushed Americans toward ultra-processed foods and highly refined carbohydrates that destroyed their metabolic systems,” he stated. “70% of the calories Americans eat typically right now are ultra-processed or highly refined carbohydrates.”
Kennedy claimed that when he was a kid, a pediatrician would see one case of Type 2 Diabetes one time in their career.
He says there are now more teens who are diabetic or pre-diabetic, and that a majority of them could not qualify for military service.
Rep. Grothman also asked Kennedy about the Food Stamp program, asking if reforms are needed.
The Health and Human Services Secretary says he supports Food Stamps, but says it’s already being transformed.
“Over half the states have now applied for SNAP waivers,” he noted. “They are no longer paying for sugar sodas, which are 10% of the SNAP budget. So, we were giving 63 million poor kids in this country diabetes for free at federal expense.”
After announcing what has been done, the Glenbeulah Republican said, “There’s a lot of money floating around here from the junk food lobbyists and the pharmaceutical industry. I’m glad you’re taking it on, and I’m sure you’re going to get a lot of hostility from the other side of the aisle from your desire to do that.”
During the hearing, Rep. Grothman also emphasized the importance of protecting children, allowing parents to make their own decisions about their families, and not letting the government interfere.
