Congressman Andy Harris, chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration, held a roundtable discussion with Dr. Ben Carson, National Advisor for Nutrition, Health, and Housing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The meeting focused on how nutrition relates to chronic disease.
During the session, Chairman Harris and Dr. Carson addressed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). They explored approaches to increase access to healthy foods while limiting processed foods and sugary drinks. Their aim is to help children and families adopt healthier habits that may reduce chronic disease risk.
Congressman Harris stated: “Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA is focused on strengthening SNAP and encouraging healthier choices as part of the Make America Healthy Again effort to address diet-related chronic disease in children. I look forward in my role as Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee which funds the USDA to provide the department with the necessary tools and resources to accomplish this worthwhile goal.”
Andy Harris has served in Congress since 2011, representing Maryland’s 1st district after succeeding Frank Kratovil (https://harris.house.gov/about/full-biography). Before his time in Congress, he was a member of both the Maryland House of Representatives and the Maryland Senate from 1999 until 2011 (https://harris.house.gov/about/full-biography). Born in New York City in 1957, Harris currently lives in Cambridge. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a bachelor’s degree in 1977.
For further information or media inquiries about this event, Anna Adamian can be contacted at Anna.A@mail.house.gov.
