The Great Nutritional Awakening
A New Era of Health Begins on National Nutritional Month
As we close out National Nutrition Month, there is a powerful sense of momentum—a fresh wave of hope for a healthier future in America. For decades, our country has grappled with a chronic illness epidemic, much of it rooted in poor nutrition, toxic additives and pesticide use, poor professional training and systemic negligence in how we care for our most vulnerable. But March 2025 ends on a hopeful note: real changes are underway, and we are finally seeing the seeds of a true Health Revolution beginning to sprout.
The appointment of a new Director at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who is leading the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) initiative has sparked a transformational shift. This new leadership has already launched several landmark initiatives, including Operation Stork Speed. Operation Stork Speed is a new initiative launched in March 2025 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The program is designed to strengthen the safety, nutritional quality, and consistent availability of infant formula across the country, particularly in light of recent concerns about shortages and product safety.
At the heart of this initiative is the FDA’s first major review of infant formula nutrients since 1998. This effort aims to ensure that the nutritional standards for formula reflect the latest science and meet the evolving needs of infants and families. In addition to updating nutrient guidelines, the FDA is expanding its testing of infant formula and other children’s foods for heavy metals and contaminants, prioritizing transparency and safety for vulnerable populations.
Recognizing the global nature of the formula market, Operation Stork Speed also extends a key importation policy. This allows U.S. citizens to bring or ship certain foreign-made infant formula products into the country, providing more options and reducing the risk of future shortages.
The initiative emphasizes collaboration with the formula industry, urging manufacturers to work more closely with the FDA to improve transparency and labeling practices. It also includes a strong communication component, with the FDA committing to more regular updates for both consumers and industry stakeholders.
Finally, Operation Stork Speed is built on a foundation of scientific research. Through partnerships with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other academic institutions, the program seeks to fill knowledge gaps around the long-term health outcomes of formula feeding in infancy and childhood.
In short, Operation Stork Speed is a multi-faceted federal response to improve the quality, safety, and supply of infant formula in America—rooted in science, transparency, and proactive collaboration. An optimal nutritional at the start of life is foundational for a promising future of good health.
Why We Need an Operation Stork Speed for Medical Nutrition
One of the most overlooked areas of nutritional reform is in the realm of medical nutrition—specifically, enteral supplemental gastric feeds and IV TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition). These are life-sustaining nutritional methods used by individuals who cannot eat or absorb nutrients through traditional means. This includes seniors, children, and medically complex individuals with conditions like cystic fibrosis, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, mitochondrial and metabolic disease, severe allergies, and developmental disorders, which are all on the rise.
As someone whose own son suffered from CF-related chronic pancreatitis and was completely dependent on liquid nutrition, I’ve seen the gaps in our system firsthand. For many years, my son relied on nasogastric (NG) tube feeds, which he would place himself weekly, and later required a JG Mic-Key tube—a surgically inserted feeding tube that delivers nutrition directly to the jejunum (part of the small intestine) and stomach, bypassing damaged areas of the GI tract. He was also dependent on IV TPN for months at a time. This wasn’t a choice—it was a necessity to stay alive.
But what most people don’t know is what’s actually inside the so-called “nutrition” that these individuals rely on through these systems. Many hospital and physician-prescribed enteral and parenteral nutrition products are filled with high fructose corn syrup, synthetic additives, pro-inflammatory oils, heavy metals, and nutritionally empty calories. These formulations are not only harmful but also extremely expensive, and often not fully covered by insurance, or not at all. Families who are already overwhelmed by illness are forced to pay out of pocket for cleaner alternatives—if they can even find them or are made aware of them by their practitioners.
West Virginia Leads the Nation in Banning Artificial Food Dyes
Across the country, a quiet revolution is taking place in food policy—one driven not just by new science, but by courage, public pressure, and a growing demand for healthier choices. Nowhere is this shift more boldly exemplified than in the state of West Virginia.
In a landmark move, Governor Patrick Morrisey signed House Bill 2354 into law, banning seven of the most common artificial food dyes from all school meals in the state by August 2025, and from food products sold statewide by January 2028. The banned dyes include Red No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, and Green No. 3—all of which have been linked to behavioral issues, allergic reactions, and long-term health risks, particularly in children.
The ceremonial bill signing took place at St. Joseph School in Martinsburg, where Governor Morrisey was joined by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal advocate for food system reform and the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. The event marked a historic turning point—not just for the state, but for the country.
“West Virginia ranks at the bottom of many public health metrics,” Morrisey said during the ceremony, “which is why there's no better place to lead the Make America Healthy Again mission.”
This is no small statement. West Virginia has long struggled with high rates of obesity, diabetes, and nutrition-related chronic illnesses. But by taking bold, evidence-based action, the state is proving that meaningful reform can—and must—begin where the need is greatest.
Secretary Kennedy echoed the sentiment, commending West Virginia's leadership and calling on other states to follow suit. “I commend the 24 states pushing MAHA bills to clean up our food system, improve school lunches, submit waivers to SNAP, and promote patient choice,” he said. “This is how we begin to heal America—one school, one family, one law at a time.”
The move reflects a broader shift at the national level. Red Dye No. 3 and other synthetic additives are now being targeted for removal across the country, thanks to decades of advocacy and growing awareness about their impact on children's health. Meanwhile, the federal SNAP program has begun phasing out soda and sugary drink eligibility, marking a long-overdue pivot toward nutrition security—not just food access.
These aren’t just policy wins—they are cultural milestones. They signal a changing tide in how we view health, food, and the role of government in safeguarding public well-being. That West Virginia, a state so often written off in national health rankings, is now leading the charge, reminds us that the path to reform isn’t reserved for the coasts or the elite. It starts with willpower, truth, and leadership.
You can watch the full news coverage of the historic signing here:
This milestone in West Virginia should serve as a rallying cry for governors, state legislators, school boards, and community leaders across the country. These changes don’t require federal approval to begin—statehouses, school districts, and local health boards have the power right now to clean up food policies, ban harmful additives, support regenerative sourcing, and prioritize children’s health. From introducing state-level MAHA legislation to updating school lunch contracts, every jurisdiction has a role to play in reclaiming health from the ground up. Let West Virginia be the spark—now it’s time for others to fan the flame.
Expanding 'Food is Medicine' Initiatives: The Pioneering Work of Erin Martin & National Momentum
The concept of "Food is Medicine" is rapidly gaining traction across the United States, with innovative programs demonstrating the profound impact of nutrition on health outcomes. A notable example is FreshRx Oklahoma, founded by gerontologist Erin Martin in 2021. This program provides nutrient-dense, locally grown produce to individuals managing diabetes, particularly in North Tulsa—a region facing significant health disparities and food insecurity.Participants have experienced remarkable health improvements, including average reductions in HbA1c levels by 2.2%, weight loss, and decreased blood pressure by 13 points.
Martin's advocacy extends beyond community implementation; she has actively engaged in policy discussions to promote the integration of food-as-medicine programs into healthcare systems. Her testimony before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee highlighted the significant health benefits and cost savings associated with produce prescription programs, emphasizing their potential to reduce the economic burden of diet-related diseases.
Nationally, institutions like the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University are leading efforts to integrate nutrition into healthcare. In collaboration with organizations such as Kaiser Permanente, Tufts has launched the Food is Medicine National Network of Excellence. This network aims to develop best practices for food-based interventions, including medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions, to improve health outcomes and promote health equity.
In Texas, researchers from the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health have been awarded $1.2 million by the American Heart Association to test the effectiveness of food-as-medicine interventions in improving maternal and infant health outcomes. These initiatives are part of a broader national effort to incorporate nutrition-based strategies into standard healthcare practices. The United States has one of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates, drastically higher in low-income black, hispanic and indigenous populations. This is a hopeful investment to drastically improve outcomes.
The collective success of these programs underscores the critical role of nutrition in disease prevention and management. As evidence mounts, the integration of food-as-medicine initiatives into healthcare policies and practices offers a promising avenue to enhance public health and reduce healthcare costs nationwide.
For a deeper insight into Erin Martin's work and the impact of FreshRx Oklahoma, you can watch her and regenerative OK rancher Jimmy Emmons’ discussion on prescribing food as medicine:
Dr. Marty Makary Confirmed as FDA Commissioner: A Personal and National Turning Point
In a historic confirmation that has inspired hope across the health reform movement, Dr. Marty Makary was officially confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the new Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on March 25, 2025. A world-renowned surgeon, public health expert, and bestselling author, Dr. Makary brings to the role a rare and powerful combination of deep clinical expertise and unflinching dedication to transparency, ethics, and patient advocacy.
Dr. Makary currently serves as a surgical professor at Johns Hopkins University, where he is one of only a handful of surgeons in the world who performs the highly specialized total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT). This complex and life-saving surgery removes the entire pancreas in cases of unrelenting chronic pancreatitis, then transplants the patient’s own insulin-producing islet cells into the liver to preserve endocrine function and reduce or eliminate the risk of diabetes.
This procedure is profoundly personal for me. Twelve years ago, my own son underwent TPIAT at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital, performed by another incredible surgeon, Dr. Srinath Chinnakotla. After years of pain, malnutrition, and feeding tubes due to cystic fibrosis-related chronic pancreatitis, this surgery gave him back his life. The experience opened my eyes not only to the potential of medical innovation—but also to the broken systems and bureaucracies that often stand in the way of patients accessing what they need to survive.
Dr. Makary understands this challenge better than most. He has been a fierce critic of the status quo at the FDA, calling out its failures to protect patients from harmful products and its coziness with industry interests. Through his books like The Price We Pay, and in high-profile media appearances, he has consistently advocated for a more transparent, patient-centered, and accountable FDA—one that listens to science and serves the people, not special interests.
His confirmation comes at a critical time, as the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative, led by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is gaining momentum. Dr. Makary has already signaled his intention to work closely with RFK Jr. to implement sweeping reforms within the FDA—reforms that include streamlining medical innovation, increasing post-approval surveillance of drugs and devices, and most importantly, ensuring that the health of the American people is the agency’s top priority.
During his confirmation hearings, Dr. Makary made bold and clear declarations: the FDA must no longer be a revolving door of industry influence, and it must act as a truly independent regulatory body, guided by evidence, ethics, and public interest. These aren’t just words. They’re a mission—and he’s already begun building a team aligned with that vision.
This is a moment of tremendous promise. For families like mine, for advocates across the country, and for every American who has lost faith in the agencies meant to protect them, Dr. Marty Makary's leadership could mark the beginning of a new era of trust, integrity, and healing. And it’s not just government leading the charge—influencers, creators, and companies are waking up. Parents are reading labels. Grocery store shelves are shifting. The free market is responding to the demand for clean, whole, regenerative foods—and with increased demand comes the possibility for greater affordability and accessibility.
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya Confirmed to Lead NIH: A Voice for Truth, A Beacon for the Vulnerable
This March, the U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Jay Bhattacharya as the new Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—a monumental appointment that signals a renewed commitment to science with integrity, compassion, and courage.
A physician, health economist, and professor at Stanford University, Dr. Bhattacharya rose to national prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic—not for towing the establishment line, but for challenging it. While others remained silent or complicit, Dr. Bhattacharya dared to speak difficult truths. He advocated for targeted protections for the most vulnerable, warned of the harmful consequences of prolonged lockdowns, and urged policymakers to follow evidence-based, humane approaches to public health. For this, he was vilified. Censored. Mocked. But he never backed down. His work, including co-authoring the Great Barrington Declaration, laid out a measured, reasonable framework for managing the pandemic—one that prioritized those truly at risk, while preserving basic human freedoms and minimizing harm to society.
My family was part of the population he fought to protect. Both of my son and daughter live with cystic fibrosis, a life-shortening genetic illness that compromises the lungs, pancreas, and immune function. During the early stages of the pandemic, we followed every single directive: we sheltered in place, we masked, we sanitized, we stayed isolated—because our medical teams, the CDC, and even the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation all urged us to do so. And they were right. For the vulnerable, caution made sense until we had more tools and knowledge.
But what never made sense was imposing those same extreme measures on the entire population, regardless of age, risk level, or context. That’s where the system broke down. And that’s where Dr. Bhattacharya stood alone—not for selfishness or denial, but for nuance, balance, and truth. His courage to speak when it mattered most gives me hope that he will bring that same clarity and conviction to his leadership at the NIH.
The NIH is not just a research agency. It is the largest funder of biomedical research in the world. What it chooses to study—and what it ignores—shapes medicine, treatment protocols, public health policy, and the way future generations of doctors are trained. Under Dr. Bhattacharya’s leadership, I believe the NIH can finally begin to take seriously the nutritional and environmental root causes of chronic illness. We can invest in nutrition science that goes beyond calorie counts and food pyramids—into areas like gut health, ultra-processed food exposure, soil degradation, food additives, and the microbiome. We can explore how real food and regenerative agriculture can heal not just individuals, but communities and ecosystems. And perhaps, most critically, we can break the stranglehold of pharma-only thinking in American health research.
Dr. Bhattacharya has already spoken of his intent to prioritize open science, end censorship of dissenting views, and rebuild public trust in the research process. These are not small goals—but they are necessary ones. For families like mine—who have spent decades navigating a medical system that too often overlooks nutrition, dismisses prevention, and treats chronic illness with a one-size-fits-all approach—his confirmation is a moment of real, meaningful hope.
Quality of life is essential for all of us—but it is especially vital for those who face daily battles with their health. My children live with a life-threatening, progressive disease that constantly exposes them to harm from both environmental and human pathogens. But we cannot—and will not—ask them to live in a bubble. Instead, we make thoughtful, evolving, and informed decisions to mitigate risk while maximizing their ability to truly live. This balance between caution and freedom is a lesson for us all—and it’s one that leaders like RFK Jr., Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, and Dr. Marty Makary deeply understand and uphold in both principle and practice.
With this kind of leadership guiding HHS, the NIH, and the FDA, we have the opportunity to dramatically improve not just healthcare, but the nutritional foundation of our nation. Policies rooted in truth and prevention—not profit—can transform how we eat, grow, and understand food. From funding real nutrition science at NIH, to reforming toxic additives through the FDA, to empowering food-as-medicine initiatives under HHS, these leaders are laying the groundwork for a future where the quality of our food matches the quality of care we deserve.
The NIH now has the chance to become what it was always meant to be: a champion of discovery, a protector of the vulnerable, and a bold driver of truth in public health.
The Victory Garden Alliance: Reclaiming Our Health from the Ground Up
If we are serious about solving America’s nutrition crisis, we must look not only to policy—but to the soil beneath our feet. One of the most powerful tools we have for improving public health isn’t a pill or a processed food label—it’s a garden and our farms.
I founded the Victory Garden Alliance (VGA), rooted in a simple truth: when people grow their own food, they take back control of their health, their resilience, and their connection to the Earth and each other. Inspired by the original WWII-era Victory Gardens—which at their peak produced over 40% of the nation’s fresh produce supply in 1945—this modern movement calls on Americans to dig in once again, this time to fight a different kind of war: one against chronic disease, food deserts, regenerating our soil, disconnection, and nutritional poverty. I challenge all of us, even those without land to grow something, even on your windowsill. Take the pledge to grow a victory garden and challenge your family and friends. Scan QR code on the poster below and signup today.
Imagine what’s possible if we embedded food literacy and growing skills into every aspect of community life. We can start by creating living classrooms in our schools—gardens woven into curriculum where science, math, history, and health are all taught with hands in the soil. We can restore home economics for all students, not as an outdated relic, but as an essential life skill: teaching cooking, budgeting, shopping, seasonal eating, and local sourcing. We can bring back the lost art of nourishment, and in doing so, transform an entire generation. But the movement doesn’t stop at schools.
Victory Garden programs can bring farmers markets and garden hubs into food deserts, hospitals, senior centers, veterans’ homes, community halls, and churches. We can activate church land and urban lots into community food gardens—reconnecting neighbors, reducing food insecurity, and transforming vacant spaces into living, healing landscapes. These aren’t just patches of land. They are seeds of change.
There are already shining examples to follow. One of the most effective models in the country is West Virginia’s Grow This! Garden Challenge, operated through the West Virginia University Extension Service and offered in partnership with SNAP-Ed. Inspired by the original Victory Gardens and reignited in 2020 during the lockdowns, this program distributes free seeds and educational materials to thousands of residents across the state—empowering families to grow their own food, improve nutrition, and reconnect to their land and culture. Its success proves that even in regions facing some of the toughest health outcomes, home gardening can be a solution—and a movement.
The Victory Garden Alliance builds on this momentum, creating a national network of support, resources, storytelling, and community organizing. It’s not just about planting vegetables—it’s about planting hope, self-sufficiency, and a cultural reset around how we view food. As chronic illness skyrockets, as our soil depletes, and as our children grow up not knowing where food comes from, the answer has been waiting outside our back doors all along. Let us grow again. Together.
America is waking up. The Health Revolution is here.
March may be ending, but this revolution is just beginning. Let this final day of National Nutrition Month serve not as a conclusion, but as a call to action, to make every day National Nutritional Awareness Day. Every meal, every policy, every product matters. It’s time to stop treating disease and start cultivating health—starting in our hospitals, schools, farms, neighborhoods and homes. And we are just getting started.
Jacqueline Capriotti is a mother to two adult children with cystic fibrosis. Her deeply personal journey through the world of rare disease and chronic illness led her to serve on the board of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – Greater New Jersey Chapter, where she helped initiate the foundation’s caregiver support program. She played a key role in advocating for and contributing to the FDA approval of groundbreaking therapies—including Orkambi, Kalydeco, Trikafta, and Alyftrék—specifically for her children’s rare CFTR mutations.
Jacqueline is the Founder and CEO of Health Revolution USA, a public relations and strategy firm focused on health, agriculture, and community-based solutions. She also leads the Make New Jersey Healthy Again Coalition and the Victory Garden Alliance , a modern revival of the WWII-era Victory Gardens that once fed 40% of the country. Inspired by that legacy, Jacqueline’s work bridges personal experience, policy reform, and grassroots action with one clear mission: to make American healthcare—and our communities—human again. She lives in Monmouth County, New Jersey, where she raised her family and continues to advocate for change from the ground up.
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