Jessica Knurick, PhD, RDN
drjessicaknurick.bsky.social
Jessica Knurick, PhD, RDN
@drjessicaknurick.bsky.social
Evidence-based nutrition & public health 🌱
🧑‍🎓PhD Nutrition Science | Dietitian | Mom of 2
Whenever I discuss the MAHA movement or critique aspects of it, I inevitably receive comments like, “At least we’re finally talking about ways to improve health and reduce chronic disease.” But public health didn’t start with MAHA.
Public Health Didn’t Start with MAHA: What We Can Learn from Let’s Move!
Many MAHA supporters claim it’s the first movement to prioritize America’s health, but history tells a different story.
open.substack.com
February 25, 2025 at 12:08 AM
What happens when an anti-science advocate takes control of the country’s most important public health institution? We’re about to find out.

More here. Including specific action items we can take.
RFK Jr. is Now in Charge of HHS. And Public Health is at Risk
What happens when an anti-science advocate takes control of the country’s most important public health institution? We’re about to find out.
open.substack.com
February 13, 2025 at 9:32 PM
With RFK Jr. leading HHS, the spread of misinformation at the highest levels of govt is a real threat to public health. But science still exists. Here’s what you can do:
1. Follow and support science communicators
2. Advocate for evidence-based policies
3. Stay engaged and push for accountability
February 13, 2025 at 9:29 PM
House Rs released their budget proposal today aiming to cut nutrition assistance (SNAP) by $230b & healthcare (Medicaid) by $880b.

Evidence based ways to improve public health: expand access to healthcare & expand SNAP to decrease food insecurity.

This is why they want you focused on food dyes.
House GOP budget plan targets deep SNAP cuts
Republicans are growing concerned about the House GOP budget blueprint's impact on food assistance.
www.politico.com
February 12, 2025 at 10:09 PM
He knew RFK Jr. and his rhetoric was dangerous. His questioning in the confirmation hearing made it obvious he knew. But he’s up for reelection in 2026.

He chose politics over science, medicine, and public health.
February 4, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Honored to write this piece for @katiecouric.bsky.social and Katie Couric Media.
How MAHA Uses Food as Fearmongering Fuel
Debunking MAHA’s myths about “toxins.”
katiecouric.com
February 3, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Claiming to “just ask questions” or advocate for better science while ignoring the well-established body of evidence is not a genuine pursuit of truth - it’s a deliberate tactic to dismiss inconvenient findings and demand research that confirms a predetermined agenda.

This is what RFK Jr. does.
February 1, 2025 at 11:58 PM
RFK Jr’s approach to making America healthy:
1. Ignore decades of research on chronic disease and food policy
2. Pretend we don’t already have solutions that the party he’s aligned with routinely votes against
3. Keep the focus on conspiratorial, anti-science distractions instead of systemic change
January 30, 2025 at 11:10 PM
Sent to all HHS employees and people throughout the federal government.

Historically, governments encouraging citizens to report one another based on ideological surveillance have rarely led to positive outcomes.
January 26, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Kailee Buller was just appointed as Chief of Staff of the USDA.

She is President and CEO of a lobbying organization for canola and other seed oils.

You know…the oils that MAHA claims (without evidence) are the cause of chronic health conditions.

Cleaning up the corruption. Someone tell MAHA.
January 22, 2025 at 5:08 PM
President Trump made a bold promise to “end the chronic disease epidemic.” Here’s what’s needed if he’s serious about fulfilling that promise.
Ending the Chronic Disease Epidemic: A Roadmap for Systemic Change in the US
Today, in his inaugural address, President Trump made a bold promise: to ‘end the chronic disease epidemic.’ This declaration reflects a key focus of the Make America Healthy Again movement, spearhead...
open.substack.com
January 21, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Here we go. Seems to me the fact that these algorithms prioritize and amplify fear-based, sensationalized falsehoods over accuracy muddies the “free speech” argument.

Unchecked misinformation erodes public trust in institution, experts, and shared reality.

It’s actually terrifying.
January 8, 2025 at 1:04 AM