Kennedy says Lincoln Memorial among 80 medical schools joining national nutrition education effort – News4JAX

Kennedy says Lincoln Memorial among 80 medical schools joining national nutrition education effort  News4JAX

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean met with higher education and hospital leaders Wednesday for a closed roundtable at Lincoln Memorial University about Florida institutions joining two federal nutrition initiatives. ORANGE PARK, Fla. – U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean met with higher education and hospital leaders Wednesday for a closed roundtable at Lincoln Memorial University about Florida institutions joining two federal nutrition initiatives. The roundtable brought a national health policy discussion to Clay County, focusing on efforts to expand nutrition education in medical schools and improve food served in hospitals.

HHS’ Advancing Nutrition Education initiative encourages medical schools to provide at least 40 hours of nutrition education across four years, or an equivalent competency-based program, beginning in fall 2026. The department says 80 institutions across 36 states have committed. “Lincoln Memorial was one of the first hospitals in the country to adopt our 40-hour nutrition education for medical students,” Kennedy said. The Make Hospital Food Healthier pledge encourages hospitals to align menus and food-service practices with federal dietary guidelines when clinically appropriate and feasible. Recommendations include limiting ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks and emphasizing fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Kennedy is asking all of the medical schools in the country to