WTAS: Secretary Kennedy Launches ‘Take Back Your Health’ Tour in Pennsylvania, Rallying at Capitol and Meeting With Family Farmers

On January 21, 2026, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. kicked off the nationwide "Take Back Your Health" Tour in Pennsylvania today, leading two events focused on the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Trump administration's efforts to Make America Healthy Again. At the State Capitol in Harrisburg, Secretary Kennedy joined more than a dozen Pennsylvania legislators to highlight the Trump administration's first-year public health accomplishments of the President's second term, including unveiling a new food pyramid, cutting waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicaid, and securing Most Favored Nation agreements that lower prescription drug costs for Americans.

Headlines
Members of Congress
Pennsylvania Officials
Advocates and Organizations
Medical Professionals
Influencers

Headlines:

• PennLive: RFK Jr. talks up new food pyramid, avoids controversial vaccine changes in Harrisburg visit
• Pittsburgh Post Gazette: RFK Jr. discusses new food guidelines, vaccines during Harrisburg rally
• RealClear Pennsylvania: RFK Jr. Promotes Food Pyramid Overhaul in Harrisburg
• Pennsylvania Capital-Star: RFK Jr. touts ‘real food’ at Harrisburg event promoting MAHA agenda
• Philadelphia Inquirer: RFK Jr. holds a Harrisburg rally to promote health agenda
• The New York Times: Kennedy, Kicking Off National Tour, Says He’s Not Running for President
• City & State Pennsylvania: In Harrisburg, RFK Jr. kicked off his “Take Back Your Health” Tour
• Just The News: Kennedy kicks off nationwide 'Take Back Your Health' tour in Pennsylvania
• State Affairs: Kennedy leads rally promoting healthier diets and reduced chronic disease
• WHP-TV: RFK Jr. touches on processed foods in school and SNAP programs during Harrisburg visit
• WKBN: Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks in Harrisburg
• WKBN: RFK Jr. visits Harrisburg to promote ‘MAHA’ policies
• WHTM: Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks in Harrisburg
• 2822 News: Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks in Harrisburg
• WGAL: RFK Jr. Kicks Off 'Take Back Your Health' Tour in Pa. with 'Eat Real Food' Push
• WJET: RFK Jr. visits Harrisburg to promote ‘MAHA’ policies
• WPMT: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. draws supporters, protesters at Harrisburg rally
• Lancaster Online: Health Secretary RFK Jr. rallies the healthy at Harrisburg rally
• PennWatch.org: RFK Jr Brings His “Make America Healthy Again” Message to State Capitol
• Franklin County Free Press: State Republicans Highlight Work Requirement Changes During Kennedy Visit
• Off The Press: Kennedy Begins Nationwide ‘Take Back Your Health’ Tour In Pennsylvania
• WITF: U.S. Health Sec. RFK Jr. touts new nutrition guidelines during Harrisburg rally
• Bloomberg Law: RFK Jr. Says Heavy Metals in Baby Formula Study Coming in April
• POLITCO Newsletter: RFK Jr. previews 2026
• WBRE: Broadcast on January 21, 2026, 5:57 PM
• WHP: Broadcast on January 21, 2026, 6:04 PM
• WJAC: Broadcast on January 21, 2026, 5:17 PM
• WTAE: Broadcast on January 21, 2026, 5:40 PM

Members of Congress:

• Rep. Loyd Smucker via X: “.@SecKennedy kicked off the tour right here in PA—home to a robust agriculture industry that works every day to feed our nation. Thanks to PA-11 farmers, protein-rich foods, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense ingredients make it to family dinner tables across America—and around the world—every day. Your work is essential to helping us Make America Healthy Again.”

Pennsylvania Officials:

• PA State Sen. Chris Gebhard via X: “Attended the “Eat Real Food Tour” in Harrisburg with HHS Sec. @RobertKennedyJr, highlighting the Trump Administration’s new Eat Real Food Program”
• PA State Sen. Dawn Keefer via X: “As the sponsor of hospital price transparency & fluoride-in-water legislation & co-sponsor of several bills that put people in the driver's seat for their health it was an honor to attend @HHSGov @SecKennedy's “Take Back Your Health” rally in Harrisburg.”
• PA State Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. via Facebook: “I joined my legislative colleagues from the Senate and House for a rally with Secretary Kennedy to kick off the “Eat Real Food Tour” highlighting the launch of new federal nutrition guidelines by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.”
• PA State Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill via Facebook: “EAT REAL FOOD Proud that Pennsylvania was the place where this national movement officially began. It was an honor to join Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. at the Pennsylvania Capitol today as he kicked off this important conversation about health, transparency, and putting families first. The energy was incredible, the message was clear, and the momentum is real. What started here today has the power to make a lasting impact across the country.”
• PA State Sen. Cris Dush via Facebook: “If I did not already have four appointments scheduled at my Bellefonte office that had taken, in my mind too long to make happen, I would have been at this event to thank the Secretary for his work on this! It’s time to choose soils over synthetics!”
• PA State Sen. Judy Ward via Facebook: “I was happy to join with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. today at the capitol as he stopped by as part of his Take Back Your Health Tour.”
• PA State Rep. Marc Anderson via Facebook: “Yesterday, I joined my colleagues at the Capitol for the kickoff of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s "Take Back Your Health" Tour. Secretary Kennedy is touring the country as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services new "Eat Real Food" initiative, encouraging Americans to incorporate clean, unprocessed food into their diets. As my friend PA State Rep. Mike Jones said, I think I need to take his advice!”
• PA State Rep. Jamie Barton via Facebook: “It was an incredible honor to stand beside Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during his visit to Harrisburg for his "Eat Real Food" rally. It's a movement to get Americans to eat fewer highly processed foods and more protein and whole grains.”
• PA State Rep. Stephanie Borowicz via Facebook: “Thank you Secretary Kennedy for coming to Pennsylvania to kick off the Eat Real Food tour! MAHA!”
• PA State Rep. Jill Cooper via Facebook: “The truth is simple- some of the food being sold today is making us sick, and fixing that goes far beyond politics. The energy in Harrisburg was electric as U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. launched his Eat Real Food Campaign, which is part of the Make America Healthy Again initiative. The message was simple, empower people with information, tools and knowledge to take charge of their well-being and be the CEO of their own health. The crowd responded with enthusiasm-because this wasn't just talk about policy, it was a call to action. Today didn't just feel like a press conference- it felt like the start of a healthier future.”
• PA State Rep. Russ Diamond via Facebook: “I was pleased to join Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to kick off the “Eat Real Food Tour” with a rally at the state capitol today.”
• PA Rep. Jamie Flick via press release: “I was on hand to join Secretary Kennedy in promoting healthier eating habits and raising awareness about the importance of eating real, nutritious food for families across Pennsylvania. Growing up on a farm, I learned firsthand the value of fresh, wholesome food. This initiative reminds us that healthy eating starts with real ingredients, and I’m proud to support efforts that make nutritious choices accessible for families across Pennsylvania.”
• PA Rep. Ann Flood via Facebook: “Today, I was honored to join Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and fellow legislators at the Pennsylvania State Capitol for the kickoff of the “Eat Real Food Tour.” This important event follows the launch of the new national dietary guidelines and a reset of U.S. nutrition policy, highlighting the vital role that healthy, whole foods play in keeping our families and communities strong. The rally was a powerful reminder that promoting access to nutritious, real food is essential for public health. By raising awareness and encouraging healthier choices, initiatives like the “Eat Real Food Tour” help Pennsylvanians lead healthier lives and support a stronger, more resilient community. I am grateful to Secretary Kennedy and all who participated for their commitment to improving nutrition and public health.”
• PA State Rep. Barb Gleim via X: “Secretary Kennedy came to Pennsylvania today to launch his “Eat Real Food Tour” from the state Capitol. I was honored to meet him, along with my colleagues in the House and Senate. Healthier options most likely on the way for school lunches.”
• PA State Rep. Barb Gleim via Facebook: “I proudly support Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who kicked off his Take Back Your Health" tour yesterday in Harrisburg with an "Eat Real Food" rally. A great crowd filled the state Capitol Rotunda to hear him as part of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) campaign.”
• PA State Rep. Doyle Heffley via press release: “It was an honor to stand with Secretary Kennedy in promoting healthier eating habits and raising awareness about the importance of eating real, nutritious food for families across Pennsylvania. The secretary talked about the issues of rising obesity rates and other health problems related to poor nutrition and how to make us healthy again. As Republican chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, I’ve taken steps to ensure that we are tackling the waste, fraud and abuse in human services while also advancing policies that improve access to nutritious food and strengthen Pennsylvania families.”
• PA State Rep. Mike Jones via Facebook: “Honored to meet US Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as he chose Pennsylvania to kick off his Eat Healthy Food initiative. Seeing my photo with him it’s obvious I need to take his advice!  Thank you to PA State Rep. David Rowetive Senator Kristin Phillips-Hilln Phillips-Hill for organizing the event.”
• PA State Rep. Tom Jones via Facebook: “I was happy to join our US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was in Harrisburg to kick off the “Eat Real Food Tour” with a rally in the Capitol Rotunda.”
• PA State Rep. Robert Leadbeter via Facebook: “To protect the lives of all Pennsylvanians, I spoke at the “Eat Real Food” Tour today in Harrisburg to wage a war against processed foods and harmful, addictive additives, while simultaneously urging people to put real food as the centerpiece of their diets. This initiative comes after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., launched new dietary guidelines to signal a national reset of the United States’ nutrition policy. He traveled from Washington to stand firm with us in this fight.”
• PA State Rep. Natalie Mihalek via WESA: “But I think RFK just simply talking about [nutrition] and creating that awareness has certainly helped people just make better choices.”
• PA State Rep. Dan Moul via Facebook: “Today, I attended a rally in the state Capitol Rotunda at which U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoke about healthy foods and good health.”
• PA State Rep. Kathy Rapp via Facebook: “It was an honor to stand beside Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. yesterday to kick off his “Eat Real Food Tour.” The press conference on Wednesday marked the introduction of updated federal dietary guidelines and a renewed focus on whole, unprocessed foods. The new guidelines prioritize vegetables, meat and dairy while discouraging ultra-processed products, added sugars and artificial additives. This shift represents a significant departure from decades of low-fat recommendations and aims to promote nutrient-rich, minimally processed options for American families. This is about more than just nutrition. It’s about empowering families and farmers alike to build a healthier future for Pennsylvania.”
• PA State Rep. Leslie Rossi via Facebook: “Today in Harrisburg Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. kicked off the “Eat REAL Food” tour.   Make America HEALTHY Again! Thank you Secretary Kennedy for your dedication to all that you believe in for the good of our nation & its people!”
• PA State Rep. David Rowe via Facebook: “Today, we welcomed Secretary Kennedy from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to the Capitol to kick off the Take Back Your Health tour and to encourage Pennsylvanians to eat real food!”
• PA State Rep. John Schlegel via Facebook: “It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to meet Secretary of Health Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy. I had the chance to share with him that I appreciate his support of physical fitness and nutritious real food. I think it was important because he was here to encourage all of us across America, but particularly here in Pennsylvania, and use our state as a form to promote health and physical fitness which I think is so very important to all of our society.”  
• PA State Rep. JoAnne Stehr via Facebook: “Today, I had the privilege of joining Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the Pennsylvania State Capitol for the kickoff of the “Eat Real Food Tour.” This event highlights the importance of nutritious, whole foods and the role they play in promoting healthier communities across our state. It was encouraging to see so many people come together to focus on public health and the positive impact better nutrition can have on our families. Initiatives like this help raise awareness, empower individuals to make healthier choices, and support a stronger, more resilient Pennsylvania. I’m grateful to Secretary Kennedy and everyone who participated today. Together, we can continue working to make nutritious, real food more accessible for all Pennsylvanians.”
• PA State Rep. Tim Twardzik via Facebook: “It was great to be at the Pennsylvania State Capitol today as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. kicked off the “Eat Real Food Tour.” The event focused on the importance of whole, nutritious foods and how they help Pennsylvanians live healthier, stronger lives. Seeing leaders and community members come together to support better nutrition and public health was truly inspiring. Initiatives like this help raise awareness and empower families to make healthier choices every day. I’m grateful to Secretary Kennedy and everyone who participated for their dedication to building healthier, more resilient communities across our state.”

Advocates/Organizations:

• The Pennsylvania Family Council via X: “Something is seriously wrong with how Pennsylvania’s Medicaid system is being used. At a PA Capitol press conference during RFK Jr.’s "Eat Real Food Tour", Sen. Judy Ward (R - Blair) called for accountability and highlighted the urgent need for reform through the Do No Harm Act. Pennsylvania data shows a 2,100% increase in Medicaid reimbursements for puberty blockers billed under precocious puberty, raising serious concerns about improper coding and misuse of taxpayer dollars. Children deserve protection, and Pennsylvanians deserve transparency. The Do No Harm Act is a critical step toward ethical care and responsible use of public funds. Visit http://pafamily.org and http://donoharmmedicine.org for more information and to stay up to date as we fight for legislation in Harrisburg to protect children from sex-rejecting procedures.”
• MAHA Action (@MAHA_Action) via X: “RFK Jr. says all harmful petroleum-based food dyes are being removed from American food. “There are 9 petroleum-based synthetic food dyes. We’re getting rid of all of them. We got rid of 3 last year. Getting rid of another 6 this year. We’ve already fast-tracked the approval by FDA of 4 vegetable dyes, which are going to replace those.”
• Nechel Shoff via the York Daily Record: “…Nechel Shoff, the mother of a 24-year-old profoundly autistic son, Squale, said, ‘I agree with a lot of what he was saying.’ She said she attended to call attention to how government policy makes it difficult to care for children like her son at home, preferring to place them in large group homes. ‘He's non-verbal so I'm his voice,’ she said. As for the RFK Jr.'s nutrition message, she said, ‘I changed to a whole food diet and lost 163 pounds. My son lost 60 pounds. It works.’”

Medical Professionals:

• Naomi Whittaker, OBGYN and expert in natural fertility, via X: “@MAHA_Action tour launch at PA state capital with @SecKennedy was overflowing with support for science, transparency and common sense ways to have government serve the interests of the people over rich special interest groups who have bought their ways into power. RFK stated, that’s how “Fruit loops made their way to the top” of the old food pyramid. Tides are changing.”

Influencers:

• Sheryl Gay Stolberg (@sherylnyt), reporter for The New York Times via X: “RFK Jr. supporters cheered when I asked him if he is considering a run for president. He said he is not. He went to Harrisburg, Pa. to kick off a national "Take Back Your Health" tour and promote his new "Eat Real Food" dietary guidelines.”
• Cliff Maloney (@Maloney) via X: “PENNSYLVANIA LOVES BOBBY KENNEDY!!! EAT REAL FOOD #MAHA”