The Dietary Guidelines Meets MAHA: What to Watch For

The food systems and nutrition policy world is eagerly awaiting the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), which may—or may not—substantively change how billions of federal dollars are spent on food programs spanning school food, nutrition assistance, and beyond. The guidelines are due at the end of 2025, but Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. suggests they may be released by the end of this summer. Secretary Kennedy has already promised “major, dramatic changes” to school food programs, but his specific intentions are unclear. Kennedy, who is still something of a wild card in the food systems world, chairs the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, established by executive order in February and charged with addressing chronic disease in America, especially among children. The first hints of the MAHA Commission’s priorities are expected this week in an assessment of childhood chronic diseases.  

The Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future (CLF) will be watching closely to see what the MAHA Commission includes in their first report, as it may preview how they are applying evidence to tackle complex, systemic public health and food systems challenges.  Here’s what we will be looking for when the 2025-2030 dietary guidelines are released, and why they matter.    

Common-sense recommendations to strengthen the 2025–2030 DGA 

In February, CLF submitted a public comment on the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC)’s scientific report, written by a panel of recognized scientific experts in nutrition and medicine. We urged HHS and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to incorporate DGAC’s common-sense and evidence-based recommendations into the guidelines. Specifically, we highlighted the recommendations below related to protein foods, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. If these recommendations are not included in the DGA, it will be a missed opportunity to reduce the risk of diet-related chronic illnesses and improve population health.  

Reclassify beans, peas, and lentils as protein foods 
These plant-based foods are nutritionally comparable to animal proteins and should be consistently categorized in the protein food group rather than in the vegetable group. This recommendation supports clearer messaging and encourages their use as sustainable, healthy protein alternatives. 

Promote a shift in protein sources 
The DGA should continue to support reduced intake of red and processed meats, and increased consumption of plant-based protein sources. The recommendations should align with the large body of existing evidence indicating that diets lower in meat, poultry, and eggs and higher in legumes, nuts, and seeds are protective against chronic disease. These DGAs are also increasingly recognized as a lever for climate-smart policy, as dietary shifts toward more plant-based foods benefit both human health and the planet. 

Reorganize the protein foods subgroup listing 
Within the protein food group, items should be reordered to reflect nutritional quality and health impact. Beans, peas, and lentils should be listed first, followed by nuts, seeds, soy products, then seafood, and finally meat, poultry, and eggs. This ordering supports informed dietary choices by prioritizing nutrient-dense foods. 

Emphasize whole grains over refined grains 
Whole grains should be prioritized and promoted for their superior nutritional profile compared to refined grains, including higher levels of fiber and key micronutrients that are often lacking in the American diet. 

Highlight fruits and vegetables as dietary staples 
The guidelines should continue to promote a diverse, daily intake of fruits and vegetables, which are foundational to health-promoting dietary patterns.