MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (WVDN) – West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. held a joint press conference Friday, March 28 to discuss their collaborative efforts aimed at protecting the state’s natural resources and addressing public health concerns, with a particular focus on the risks posed by processed foods and artificial dyes.
During the press event, Kennedy, a well-known advocate for physical health, highlighted the need for comprehensive policies to reduce the use of harmful additives in food, such as artificial dyes, which have been linked to health issues like hyperactivity and cancer. He emphasized the importance of state leadership in tackling both environmental pollution and food-related health risks.
A significant portion of the press conference was devoted to the dangers posed by processed foods and the toxic artificial chemicals, particularly synthetic dyes, that continue to be prevalent in many products. Kennedy pointed to research linking food dyes to an increase in hyperactivity, learning disabilities and behavioral issues, particularly in children and young adults.
“West Virginia families deserve better. The chemicals we’re allowing in our food supply are harming our children’s development,” Kennedy stated. “This is about protecting our future. No child should have to suffer from these avoidable toxins.”
“We are facing a public health crisis in our children, much of which is driven by the toxins that are found in many of the processed foods we consume,” Kennedy said. “The use of artificial dyes and harmful chemicals in our food supply is an ongoing threat that we must address head-on.”
The discussion included a call for stronger regulations on the use of synthetic dyes in food products, particularly those aimed at children. Kennedy referenced studies that have shown how these chemicals can affect children’s behavior and development. He also urged the state to push for the banning of certain food additives and the adoption of safer, natural alternatives.
Governor Morrisey echoed Kennedy’s concerns, adding that West Virginia’s regulatory policies must protect both the environment and the health of its citizens. He discussed ongoing state initiatives focused on public health, including stricter oversight of food ingredients, and reiterated his commitment to working toward a cleaner and safer future.
“As governor, I am deeply concerned about the health of our children and the environment,” Morrisey stated. “It is unacceptable that our food supply continues to contain substances that may contribute to long-term health issues. We need to do better, and we will. I am going to lead by example by getting healthier myself.”
The governor and HHS Secretary also discussed the intersection of industrial pollution and food safety, with Kennedy warning that the environmental toxins entering waterways could have a direct impact on the food chain. Morrisey pointed to the state’s ongoing efforts to regulate industrial practices and improve water quality but acknowledged that more needed to be done to reduce the exposure of harmful chemicals in everyday products.
“We must be vigilant not only about the air and water we breathe and drink, but also about the foods we feed our children,” said Morrisey. “Our state is making strides in the right direction, but the partnership with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. marks an important moment in raising awareness and advancing meaningful change. I’m going to make him my personal trainer.”
The press conference also addressed the potential for bipartisan cooperation in passing policies that would regulate food additives and pollutants, with both Morrisey and Kennedy stressing the importance of working together across party lines for the health and safety of all West Virginians.
Kennedy’s visit to West Virginia came amid growing concerns about the food being fed to school children as well as the widespread presence of processed foods in the state’s food supply. Morrisey acknowledged that a balanced approach was necessary, one that would also ensure that families could live healthier lives free from the harmful effects of pollutants and unsafe food ingredients, especially dyes.
“The health of our people is paramount,” Morrisey added. “We are committed to making West Virginia a leader in the fight for a healthier America and most especially safer food products.”
Governor Morrisey also discussed upcoming changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which he hopes will move people into eating and buying healthier foods. Soda will also be removed from the list of products for SNAP benefits. Morrisey also announced new “work, training and educational requirements” for SNAP participants.
The press conference was posed as a significant step toward a collaborative approach to improving public health, with both Kennedy and Morrisey pledging to continue their work in ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for the people of West Virginia.
