The 1960s had Julia Child, the 2000s had Barefoot Contessa, the 2010s had Gordon Ramsay, and apparently, the 2020s now have Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, RFK Jr., is set to host his own new cooking show alongside celebrity chefs. Titled “The Real Food Show,” the new series continues RFK Jr.’s work leading the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement which has included new dietary guidelines that prioritize protein and whole foods.
In a video posted on YouTube, RFK Jr. revealed the show will break down affordable meals that may be prepared at home, and will be a way of translating the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
“I’m traveling across America, connecting with renowned chefs to show families how to cook delicious, nutritious meals with real ingredients, and all at affordable prices,” RFK Jr. said in the show’s launch video.
Cooking as public policy
The recent guidelines flipped the traditional food pyramid—which the US stopped using in 2011 in favor of a plate design—and placed protein, healthy fats, and fresh produce at the top, while whole grains made their way to the bottom of the inverted triangle. The inverted triangle is also a part of the show’s logo, tying in the updated policies with the new series.
The show’s first episode dropped on July 30 on YouTube, featuring Chef Andrew Gruel demonstrating a recipe for salmon cakes. According to an interview with USA Today, the series is also set to feature fermented products, which RFK Jr. has celebrated in the past.
Down to the show’s name, RFK Jr. has long pushed for individuals to “Eat Real Food,” a slogan he has adopted as part of the new dietary guidelines, whose campaign rollout included a Super Bowl LX spot featuring Mike Tyson.
The messenger complicates the message
But RFK’s policies and beliefs are not just about eating whole foods. In the past, the health secretary has pushed anti-vaccine messaging as well as pushed back on medicines like SSRIs and acetaminophen during pregnancies.
The HHS secretary has also faced controversy over non-medical ideas, particularly around food. While running for president in 2024, it was revealed RFK Jr. found a dead bear which had been killed by a cyclist. While he shared he intended to skin and freeze the bear, he instead opted to dump the dead body in Central Park alongside a bike, seemingly staging a roadkill scene.
The internet remembers
“Ah, the Anthony Bourdain of road kill,” a user said on X about the show. Another added, “ Any bear dropped in central park or raccoon recipes he can show us?”
But others raised concerns about just how affordable the recipes can be in the first place. A recent Harris Poll revealed that around half of Americans struggle to afford gas and groceries, while 95% believe the US is facing an affordability crisis.
“Americans can’t afford food and the food we have causes explosive diarrhea because RFK Jr. cut food inspectors,” a user said referencing the current cyclosporiasis outbreak in the US.
Former CNN White House correspondent Jim Acosta added on X, “JFK Junior is gonna have his own cooking show. What could go wrong?”