Secretary Kennedy Launches The Real Food Show to Inspire Americans to Cook Healthy, Affordable Meals at Home

New cooking series brings the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to life through practical recipes and conversations with America's leading chefs

FORT DRUM, N.Y.—JULY 30, 2026—U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. today announced the launch of The Real Food Show, a new cooking series designed to help Americans prepare healthy, affordable meals using real, everyday ingredients.

More than a cooking show, The Real Food Show is a national initiative that empowers families to make healthy eating practical, approachable, and affordable. Each episode combines simple recipes with the science behind them, translating the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans into meals that Americans can prepare in their own kitchens.

“The simple act of preparing and sharing a meal has always brought families and communities together,” said Secretary Kennedy. “I am grateful to President Trump for his courage and leadership in making the health of the American people a national priority. The Real Food Show reminds Americans that healthy eating starts at home—and that cooking with real food can be simple, affordable, and within reach for every family. By bringing people back to the kitchen table, we can strengthen our families, improve our health, build healthy habits that last for generations to come, and Make America Healthy Again.”

HHS and the U.S. Department of Agriculture updated the Dietary Guidelines for Americans in January with one simple message: Eat Real Food. The Real Food Show brings that message to life by demonstrating how nutritious, delicious meals can be made with whole-food ingredients, basic kitchen equipment, and family-friendly recipes that fit everyday budgets.

Secretary Kennedy announced the series during the grand opening of Fort Drum’s new Belvedere Bistro, a modern military dining facility that expands access to nutritious, high-quality meals for America's service members. The facility, operated by Compass Group, is the third installation of Chef Robert Irvine's military food modernization initiative, which aims to improve nutrition and dining experiences across U.S. military installations.

As part of today's event, Secretary Kennedy joined military leaders, Chef Robert Irvine, and partners for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, toured the new dining facility, shared lunch with soldiers stationed at Fort Drum, participated in a cooking demonstration with Chef Irvine and Rachel Campos-Duffy of FOX & Friends, and concluded the day with a press conference announcing The Real Food Show.

Upcoming episodes will feature some of America's most celebrated chefs who will join Secretary Kennedy in the kitchen to prepare nutritious, affordable meals while sharing practical tips for cooking with real, whole-food ingredients.

The premiere episode features Chef Andrew Gruel, who joins Secretary Kennedy to prepare salmon cakes and a fresh salad while demonstrating how seafood can serve as a healthy, affordable source of protein for American families.

Every recipe featured on The Real Food Show:

• Uses real, whole-food ingredients.
• Is kid-friendly and easy for families to prepare together.
• Works in a basic home kitchen using everyday equipment.
• Costs less than $5 per serving whenever possible.
• Delivers delicious, practical meals for cooks of every skill level.
• Aligns with the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The Real Food Show is part of HHS's broader effort to improve the health of the American people by making healthy choices easier, more accessible, and more affordable. Through trusted chefs, practical recipes, and science-based nutrition guidance, the series encourages Americans to rediscover the benefits of cooking at home and sharing meals with family and friends.

Visit The Real Food Show webpage for more details.