Barrett Welcomes Secretary Kennedy To Mid-Michigan, Highlights Efforts To Make America Healthy Again

Charlotte, Mich. - Yesterday, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited Country Mill Farms, Bakery, Orchard & Cider Mill in Charlotte. The officials met with Steve Tennes, the farm owner, before holding a panel in front of more than 200 attendees to discuss the ways they're working to invest in public health, promote healthy living, and Make America Healthy Again. The event was hosted by America First Policy Institute (AFPI).

"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 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."

"Congressman Barrett understands that reversing the chronic disease epidemic starts with prevention, nutrition, and access to healthy food," said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. "Michigan's farmers and communities are leading that effort, and Congressman Barrett is helping drive it forward. I'm grateful for his leadership and commitment to advancing President Trump's Make America Healthy Again agenda."

"Secretary Kennedy and policy leaders like Representative Barrett have been driving efforts to help Americans take back their health, starting with what they eat, preventing chronic disease before it begins, and helping families take back control of their healthcare dollars," said Hannah Anderson, AFPI Senior Director of Healthy America Policy. "We're proud to bring this conversation to Michigan and highlight policies that empower individuals and families to take charge of their health."

"Thank you to Congressman Barrett and Secretary Kennedy for the chance to be a part of this important conversation," said Ben LaCross, President, Michigan Farm Bureau. "Michigan farmers share the goal of building healthier families and healthier communities. Farmers are parents, grandparents, neighbors, and consumers too. We care deeply about the quality of the food we produce because it is the same food we feed our own families."

In addition to Congressman Barrett and Secretary Kennedy, the panel included Hannah Anderson, AFPI Senior Director of Healthy America Policy, Ben LaCross, President of the Michigan Farm Bureau, and Alysa Sanford, Promotion and Education Representative for the Michigan Farm Bureau.

Barrett has led on a number of issues to support healthy living and improve public health. These include introducing H.R. 6679 and H.R. 6680 to combat videogame addiction, introducing legislation to allow health savings accounts to be used to pay for vitamins and fitness expenses, and supporting a Farm Bill amendment to prevent SNAP benefits from being used to purchase sugary sodas.

Barrett is preparing to officially launch the sixth and final pillar of his Blueprint for A Better America: Making America Healthy Again in the coming weeks.

About Barrett's Blueprint for a Better America:

• Restoring Trust in Government: Making Government Serve the People, Not Special Interests
• Reviving the American Dream: Helping Families Afford Homes in Mid-Michigan
• Making Health Care Affordable Again: Lowering Costs for Working Families
• Recalibrating American Foreign Policy: Ending Endless Wars and Promoting Peace Through Strength
• Reforming Campaign Finance: Putting Governing Before Campaigning
• Making America Healthy Again: Prioritizing Public Health Over Corporate Profits