Kennedy, Bean to meet Florida health leaders in Orange Park on national nutrition pledges

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean will meet with higher education and hospital leaders Wednesday for a closed roundtable in Orange Park about Florida institutions joining two federal nutrition initiatives.The roundtable brings 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.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, vegetabl