Secretary Kennedy Highlights Dairy Farmers, Infant Formula Safety, and Addiction Recovery as 'Take Back Your Health' Tour Stops in Wisconsin

EAU CLAIRE, WISCONSIN-JUNE 2, 2026-As part of his national "Take Back Your Health" Tour, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. traveled to Wisconsin on Tuesday with Representative Derrick Van Orden to highlight the dairy farmers, infant formula manufacturers, and faith-based recovery organizations leading efforts to strengthen America's food supply, improve public health, and combat addiction.

"I thank Rep. Van Orden, Gilbertson Farm, and Perrigo for welcoming me today," Secretary Kennedy said. "America's health depends on the food we produce, the nutrition we provide our youngest Americans, and the support we offer those struggling with addiction. Wisconsin's farmers, manufacturers, and faith-based organizations are helping lead the way as we Make America Healthy Again."

"Wisconsin is home to people who are improving lives and strengthening communities every day," said Congressman Van Orden. "I thank Secretary Kennedy for his leadership and commitment to improving health outcomes for American families. Wisconsin is proud to be part of that effort, and I was honored to welcome him to our state."

Secretary Kennedy began the day at family-owned Gilbertson Farm in Clear Creek, where he toured their dairy cattle and milk production facility before leading a roundtable discussion with Rep. Van Orden, SAMHSA Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Chris Carroll, HHS Director of Faith-Based Partnerships Monty Burks, Gilbertson farm owner Kevin Gilbertson, dairy industry leaders, and faith-based organizations working to treat addiction.

During the conversation, Secretary Kennedy emphasized President Trump's support for American farmers and promoted the nutritional benefits of whole milk and other dairy products recognized in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The Secretary also discussed President Trump's Great American Recovery Initiative and HHS actions to address the addiction crisis, including a $100 million investment to solve long-standing homelessness issues, fight opioid addiction, and improve public safety by expanding treatment that emphasizes recovery and self-sufficiency.

Secretary Kennedy highlighted historic Trump administration actions to open grant applications and provide technical assistance to faith-based organizations working to treat addiction. Faith-based organizations interested in learning more about how to apply for federally funded grants are encouraged to attend HHS' "Best Practices for Writing a SAMHSA Grant Application" webinar on June 3 at 2 p.m. ET.

"It was a great honor to host Secretary Kennedy at our farm," said Kevin Gilbertson, owner of Gilbertson Farm. "I would like to thank Secretary Kennedy for his dedication to highlighting the nutrition benefits of dairy products in the American people's diet and moving dairy products to the top of the food pyramid."

Afterward, Secretary Kennedy and Rep. Van Orden traveled to Eau Claire to tour the Perrigo infant formula facility and highlight the FDA's results from the largest-ever targeted testing of infant formula sold in the United States as part of Operation Stork Speed.

"At Perrigo, we are proud to provide families with affordable, high-quality, science-backed infant formula," said Perrigo CEO Patrick Lockwood-Taylor. "We appreciate Secretary Kennedy and Rep. Van Orden taking time to visit our facility and for highlighting the critical role American manufacturers play in ensuring safe, reliable nutrition for infants and supporting the health of the next generation. We look forward to continued collaboration."

From family dairy farms to infant formula manufacturing and faith-based recovery programs, Secretary Kennedy's Wisconsin visit highlighted the vital role local communities play in improving the nation's health. The visit underscored the Trump administration's commitment to supporting American agriculture, strengthening infant nutrition, expanding pathways to recovery, and advancing policies to Make America Healthy Again.