Trump’s win sparks concerns over food security, nutrition programs and women’s health

With Donald Trump set to assume the US presidency, Nutrition Insight consults experts on how the political shift could reshape the country’s food security and health policies. 

Joelle Johnson, deputy director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) warns of potential threats to federal assistance programs, while Crystal FitzSimons, interim president of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), pledges to safeguard food security policies.

In the private sector, Dr. Amy Beckley, CEO of Proov, sees potential for innovation in women’s health if regulatory barriers are eased. Her company helps women with fertility and menopausal issues.

Threats to SNAP

Johnson reflects on Trump’s first term as an indicator of what’s to come, particularly regarding SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and other nutrition programs.

“If the first term was any indication, the new administration is likely to do more harm than good when it comes to their claims of addressing chronic disease and improving healthy food access. Food and nutrition security, especially for children and families with low incomes, will be under threat.”

“In 2019, Trump (unsuccessfully) tried to roll back key nutrition standards for school meals. He also attempted to restrict access to SNAP via onerous work requirements that would’ve kicked 700,000 people out of the program,” she adds.

With food prices too high, Johnson warns that any cuts to nutrition assistance programs will “thrust” those with low incomes and a lack of access to healthy and affordable food further into food insecurity. She notes this will impact 40 million US citizens, who are ultimately at risk of higher chronic diseases.

“Unfortunately, due to systemic and structural racism, those most impacted will be Black and Latino households, who face food insecurity rates that are twice that of white households.”

On that note, Johnson says CPSI is remaining alert on changes that may threaten “school nutrition standards, limit access to free school meals, eliminate or weaken the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and any efforts to limit access to SNAP, including work requirements and benefit cuts.”

Johnson says cuts to nutrition assistance programs will negatively impact 40 million US citizens, who are ultimately at risk of higher chronic diseases.Protecting food security

Johnson suggests concrete measures the administration can take to reduce hunger and improve health, as “federal food programs and the agencies that run them are incredibly important for public health.”

“While changes are needed to deepen their impact on reducing rates of food and nutrition insecurity, dismantling them altogether, as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called for, is not the answer.” 

The newly nominated US secretary of Health and Human Services has promised to “make America healthy again,” however, some experts are concerned about his views on vaccines and fluoride.

Johnson suggests the administration should first “pass a bipartisan farm bill that supports SNAP access and benefits, bolsters fruit and vegetable incentive programs and prioritizes food and nutrition security.”

“They can uphold an evidence-based process, free from conflict of interest, for developing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and ensure that the latest guidelines include recommendations for sustainability.”

Finally, she notes that Kennedy has expressed his desire for all children’s lunches to include an organic meal. “Why not come ready with bipartisan legislation that would invest billions in school meals?”

FRAC on guard

FRAC’s FitzSimons underscores the election has brought significant changes to the political landscape, the dialogue and the priorities of many policymakers in Washington, DC. “It is at these moments in time when it is critical for us to lean in.” 

“FRAC’s vision is a nation in which all people have the nutritious food they need to thrive. Our mission is to improve the nutrition, health and well-being of people struggling against poverty-related hunger in the US through advocacy, partnerships and by advancing bold and equitable policy solutions,” she states.

With a mission to secure nutritious food access, FRAC says it is prepared to collaborate with policymakers to prevent any policy changes that could exacerbate hunger or poverty.

“We are also equally committed to fighting any proposals or efforts that would increase hunger, poverty or suffering. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with our partners across the country on our shared work to build an equitable nation free from hunger,” says FitzSimons.

Dr. Amy Beckley (Image credit: Proov).FDA reform and women’s health

According to Beckley of Proov, US election-related changes in healthcare regulations may significantly impact women’s access to nutrition resources and education.

“The new administration has indicated plans to reform the FDA with the goal of enhancing public health. The FDA, which plays a crucial role in ensuring consumer safety, oversees regulatory processes that sometimes affect product availability.”

“While the FDA plays a critical role as a consumer safety organization, its regulatory processes have, at times, limited the availability of beneficial products to the public. By modernizing these processes and making them more efficient and effective, it could open the door to more high-quality nutrition resources and more comprehensive educational programs for women,” she explains.

Although the effects may differ depending on the sector, Beckley thinks that Trump’s victory will probably impact financing for women’s nutrition and health R&D.

“While an increase in federal funding for women’s health may not be immediately evident, the private sector is expected to see a significant surge in focus on women’s health over the next four years. This period presents a prime opportunity for innovation, as companies and investors are recognizing the untapped potential in advancing women’s health solutions and policies.”

“As a founder in this space, I am constantly exposed to innovative ideas, yet a major challenge remains the lack of funding. A renewed focus on funding for women’s health research could catalyze significant advancements in nutritional products and diagnostics. With increased financial support, the industry could experience substantial growth, leading to the development and introduction of groundbreaking products that would propel women’s health forward,” adds Beckley.

Johnson claims that since Kennedy intends to include an organic meal in every child’s lunch, bipartisan legislation for funding school meals should be introduced.Nutrition knowledge gap

Women face a lack of nutritional guidance and resources, but Beckley explains how Proov addresses these needs.

“I was discussing this last night at dinner with my children. My 14-year-old knows what the nucleus of a cell is but not why girls bleed monthly or what each vitamin does in their Flintstone gummy.”

“One of the key barriers women face in receiving proper nutritional guidance and resources is a lack of comprehensive education from an early age. This gap in knowledge often means that young women grow up without a clear understanding of essential health and nutrition topics. For example, while students might learn complex scientific facts, they may not be taught fundamental information about their own bodies or the importance of nutrition.”

Proov fills this knowledge gap by providing easily accessible resources and tools that enable women to make better decisions and gain a better understanding of their health, says Beckley. “This commitment to education helps ensure women are equipped with practical, life-relevant knowledge to support their overall well-being.”

“Education plays a huge role in empowering women to make informed nutrition choices. In today’s landscape, social media has become a primary source of information, which means that the accuracy of shared content is more critical than ever. Misinformation can have long-lasting negative effects on women’s health.”

According to Beckley, businesses must be accountable for making sure the information they offer is factual and supported by evidence in order to support these educational initiatives, particularly in light of prospective policy changes. “By promoting transparency and fact-checking, companies can play a vital part in maintaining trust and supporting women in making knowledgeable decisions that enhance their overall health and well-being.”