Secretary Kennedy and Chef Geoffrey Zakarian Show Americans How to Cook Real Food for Under $5

New episode of The Real Food Show turns the Dietary Guidelines for Americans into an affordable meal families can make at home

WASHINGTON, DC-AUGUST 14, 2026-U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Thursday released a new episode of The Real Food Show with acclaimed chef and television personality Geoffrey Zakarian, demonstrating how Americans can prepare a nutritious, whole-food meal for less than $5 per serving.

Secretary Kennedy and Zakarian prepare a classic French omelet with a Bibb lettuce salad and homemade vinaigrette while sharing techniques families can use to make real food simple, affordable, and delicious.

"Eating healthy does not have to be expensive or complicated," said HHS Secretary Kennedy. "Chef Zakarian shows how a few simple, whole-food ingredients can become a nutritious meal for less than five dollars. We want to give Americans the knowledge and confidence to bring real food back to the family table."

During the episode, Secretary Kennedy and Zakarian discuss eggs as an affordable and versatile whole food, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and how families can stretch ingredients across multiple meals. Zakarian also shares techniques from his decades in professional kitchens that viewers can use at home.

HHS launched The Real Food Show on July 30 to help Americans put the Dietary Guidelines' call to "Eat Real Food" into practice. Each episode pairs Secretary Kennedy with leading chefs to demonstrate affordable recipes and practical cooking skills that make nutritious food accessible to more families.

The premiere episode featured Chef Andrew Gruel preparing salmon cakes and a fresh salad with Secretary Kennedy for less than $5 per serving. The series launched at Fort Drum alongside the opening of the Belvedere Bistro and HHS efforts to improve access to nutritious, high-quality food.

Watch the first episode here.