HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. lauds Austin school, announces new food pyramid for school meals

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, visited Cunningham Elementary School in Austin, Texas, to spotlight what he called a "model" school-meal program and to announce a new departmental food pyramid intended to shape school meals nationwide.

Kennedy said the visit was meant to show how to "get good food to our children," praising staff for delivering high-quality meals. "We just announced a new food pyramid," he said, adding: "And now our next job is to drive really good food into America's schools." The secretary repeatedly used the slogan "Eat real food."

A school presenter at the event said the district prioritizes fresh, nutritious meals. "We are passionate about feeding kids real food," the presenter said, arguing that "nutrition is what drives education" and that the right menus help set students "for success." A meeting participant added that children’s taste buds are still forming, creating an opportunity to introduce new textures and flavors.

Kennedy cited specific per-meal figures for the school’s program: he said the budget allocated is "about $4.20 a meal," and stated that "two thirds of that goes to labor and equipment," leaving "about a buck 25" for the food itself. He praised the district for managing within that budget to serve what he described as high-quality meals.

The presenter welcomed forthcoming dietary guidance, saying the new dietary guidelines will "empower what we're doing" and help raise meal quality. The visit concluded with Kennedy exchanging brief remarks with students and staff and reiterating the administration’s focus on school nutrition.

No formal proposals, votes, or regulatory actions were recorded in the transcript of the visit; the event was presented as a demonstration and announcement rather than a policy vote or rulemaking step.