Secretary Kennedy Highlights Eat Real Food and Great American Recovery in Michigan

HOLLAND, MICHIGAN-JUNE 18, 2026-U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. continued his "Take Back Your Health" Tour with members of Congress and community leaders across Michigan this week, announcing more than $700 million in new funding to advance President Trump's Great American Recovery Initiative and promoting the Trump administration's efforts to improve access to healthy food for children and families.

Secretary Kennedy first joined Rep. Tom Barrett (MI-07) for a farm visit and nutrition-focused panel discussion hosted by America First Policy Institute (AFPI). The Secretary then visited Easterseals MORC, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), where he announced more than $700 million in new funding to address the addiction and serious mental illness that fuel homelessness across America. In Flint, the Secretary held a roundtable with several local businesses that are helping revitalize the community by improving public health. Secretary Kennedy wrapped up his time in Michigan with Rep. Bill Huizenga (MI-04) at Kid's Food Basket to discuss the importance of providing children with healthy, nutritious food.

"I'd like to thank Congressmen Barrett and Huizenga, our hosts at AFPI, Country Mills Farm, Easterseals MORC, and Kid's Food Basket, along with local organizations in Flint, for welcoming me and demonstrating how local communities are transforming public health," said Secretary Kennedy. "By expanding access to nutritious whole foods and delivering more than $700 million to combat mental illness and addiction, we are empowering Americans to take back their health and confronting the root causes of chronic disease."

"Thank you to Congressman Barrett, Congressman Huizenga, and our partners across Michigan for their leadership in helping Make America Healthy Again," said Secretary Kennedy. "We can reverse the chronic disease epidemic by helping Americans eat real food, expanding access to recovery and mental health services, and putting prevention back at the center of healthcare."

On June 16, Secretary Kennedy and Rep. Barrett visited Country Mills Farm, a multigenerational family-owned orchard, cider mill, bakery, and agritourism destination in Charlotte. The farm engages with the community to connect consumers with locally grown food, demonstrating the important role farmers play in supporting nutrition.

Following the tour, Secretary Kennedy and Rep. Barrett participated in a panel discussion hosted by AFPI along with Steve Tennes, owner of Country Mills Farm, and local Farm Bureau members. Roughly 35% of Michigan adults, or about 2.8 million people, are obese, a rate projected to climb to 52% by 2030. The Secretary highlighted the Administration's new Dietary Guidelines for Americans and emphasized the importance of Americans eating more protein-rich, whole foods as part of a healthier diet to prevent chronic disease. He also celebrated Rep. Barrett's efforts to advance Make America Healthy Again by working to lower healthcare costs and prevent chronic disease.

"I was grateful to welcome Secretary Kennedy to Mid-Michigan and showcase the important work being done right here in our communities to promote healthier lifestyles and stronger families," said Rep. Barrett. "For too long, Washington has focused on treating sickness instead of preventing it. Making America Healthy Again means ensuring families have access to nutritious food, empowering Americans to take control of their health care, and addressing the root causes of chronic disease. I'm proud to work with the Secretary on policies that put public health ahead of special interests and help build a healthier future for the next generation."

"Secretary Kennedy and Representative Barrett are putting Americans back in charge of their own health, starting with the food we eat and preventing chronic disease, while also working to ensure that families, not bureaucracies, decide how their healthcare dollars are spent. That's what America First health policy looks like, and AFPI was proud to help bring this discussion to Charlotte," said AFPI Interim President and CEO Greg Sindelar.

On June 17, the Secretary participated in a roundtable discussion at Easterseals MORC to learn more about their efforts to promote addiction recovery and long-term stability for individuals with substance use disorders and serious mental illnesses. The group discussed the important role CCBHCs play in providing comprehensive behavioral healthcare to save lives and make communities safer.

Secretary Kennedy then held a press conference with Kathryn Burgum, White House Senior Advisor on Addiction and a Co-Chair of the Great American Recovery Initiative, and HHS Center for Faith Director Monty Burks, to announce more than $700 million in new funding to address mental illness, addiction, and homelessness. The announcement included a new $96 million funding opportunity for the Safety Through Recovery, Engagement, and Evidence-based Treatment and Support (STREETS) program, along with $612 million in funding opportunities for additional behavioral health programs including:

• $223.1 million for CCBHCs
• $238.6 million for the 988 & Suicide Crisis Lifeline
• $80 million for substance use prevention, treatment and recovery
• Over $70 million for mental health services and supports

"We were pleased to welcome Secretary Kennedy to Easterseals MORC to show him the important work of CCBHCs in Michigan in supporting individuals and families facing mental health and substance use challenges," said Brent Wirth, President and CEO Easterseals MORC. "Secretary Kennedy's announcement of a significant investment in CCBHCs and other behavioral health initiatives signals a meaningful federal commitment to the communities we serve, and we look forward to seeing its impact."

The Secretary then visited the Flint Farmers' Market and held a roundtable discussion with five local organizations, including representatives from the Farmers' Market, Crim Fitness Foundation, Berston Fieldhouse, YMCA of Greater Flint, and Hurley Children's Clinic. Representatives from the organizations discussed their efforts to provide opportunities for residents to improve their physical fitness and mental health; access locally grown, fresh, and nutrient-dense produce; and receive high-quality healthcare for children that is integrated with nutrition education.

Finally, Secretary Kennedy joined Rep. Huizenga to meet with senior leadership at Kids Food Basket in Holland. The organization has an onsite greenhouse to support their mission to increase access to healthy food for children and families in the community. The group also visited the facility's Learning Barn to highlight the importance of teaching children the benefits of healthy food and lifestyle choices.

"I want to thankSecretary Kennedy for visiting Kids' Food Basket and seeing firsthand the incredible work they are doing to help children get access to nutritious foods. I have long been supportive of these efforts to improve the overall health of our community while helping children reach their full potential in the classroom. Improving nutrition for our kids should be a bipartisan endeavor because it can enhance the quality of life as well as reducing health care costs over the long term," said Rep. Huizenga.