New Dietary Guidelines Prioritize Real Food for All Americans

(Washington, D.C., January 15, 2026) – In a significant move toward improving public health, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins published an opinion piece in The Hill outlining the many benefits of the newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030. The emphasis is clear: prioritize real, nutrient-rich foods while ensuring that healthy eating is accessible to families from all walks of life.

Empowering Choice, Enhancing Health

“Better health begins on your plate — the Dietary Guidelines for Americans offer a flexible, affordable, and attainable framework meant to guide healthier choices, not dictate specific meals or strain budgets,” Secretary Rollins stated. “The upcoming finalization of our stocking standards for SNAP retailers will require over 250,000 participating retailers to significantly enhance their inventory of nutrient-dense foods. This initiative is poised to bring healthier options within reach for America’s SNAP households like never before.”

Transformative Guidelines for Diverse Households

The recent guidelines represent a pivotal shift toward promoting whole proteins, dairy, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Through extensive meal simulations conducted by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, researchers determined that healthy eating can cost as little as $3.00 per meal.

The choices available to American consumers are vast: from quality poultry, pork, and beef to a range of fruits and vegetables like beets, oranges, and leafy greens. These food items are accessible in various forms—fresh, frozen, canned, dried, or juiced—providing flexibility tailored to individual preferences and lifestyles.

Addressing Economic Challenges

As the Trump administration continues to combat inflation impacts, grocery prices have shown signs of stabilization, with essential food items decreasing by as much as 25%. Rollins emphasized the ongoing commitment to ensuring that nutritious foods remain accessible to all American families, regardless of their economic situation.

“We understand that more work is needed to keep prices down while increasing the availability of healthy food,” she stated, reaffirming the administration’s dedication to improving public health through strategic partnerships across the federal government.

Innovative Solutions for Healthy Eating

The introduction of the new dietary pyramid and RealFood.gov site is set to enhance public awareness, providing shopping lists, family-oriented menus, and tailored recommendations for picky eaters. This site will serve as a user-friendly platform for all American households seeking guidance on healthy eating.

Moreover, the new dietary guidelines will significantly influence federal nutrition programs, such as school meals and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, ensuring they reflect the latest guidelines aimed at promoting better health for vulnerable populations.

A Call to Action

As the USDA encourages states to integrate these guidelines into regional nutrition programming, the initiative promises to bolster community health, support America’s farmers, and invest in rural communities.

“Better health truly begins on your plate—these dietary guidelines are about empowering individuals and families to make informed choices that honor cultural traditions and personal preferences,” Rollins concluded.

Brooke L. Rollins is the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

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