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The Trump administration is launching a new effort to improve the quality of food served at U.S. military bases following a report that found low nutrient content and contaminants in military meals, according to advocacy groups involved in the study.
The report, commissioned by Moms Across America in partnership with the Children’s Health Defense Military Chapter and Centner Academy, said testing detected pesticides in all sampled military meals, including Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs), rations and cafeteria food. The groups said the testing also found heavy metals, glyphosate and veterinary drugs in some items.
The organizations said they initiated the study after learning that other countries have different policies regarding genetically modified foods in military supplies.
“Unfortunately, 100 percent of those pesticides are made in China, which is concerning. We also saw 100 percent of them positive for heavy metals, some up to 17 thousand times higher than what the EPA allows in drinking water,” Zen Honeycutt, founder and executive director of Moms Across America, told “Raising America” in an interview.
“All five of the veterinary drugs and hormones that we found are either not allowed, or they’re banned in most countries, one of them was an aviary contraceptive in our military food. Ninety five percent of them are positive for carcinogenic glyphosate, which also causes endocrine disruption, nervous system damage, neurological damage,” she added.
The groups are urging lawmakers and federal agencies to review pesticide regulations and labeling standards and to push for changes through the farm bill. They also called for a shift toward regenerative and organic farming methods within Defense Department food sourcing.
Moms Across America said Tuesday that Department of Health and Human Services officials informed the group that 20 military bases plan to roll out “Real Food Pilot” programs in the coming months to improve meal quality.
“Combined with prison and school meals, this administration is making historic commitments to transforming the food system and health in America,” the organizations said in a news release.
The food initiative comes as the Trump administration continues broader changes related to military readiness and health. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has implemented stricter fitness standards for combat roles, while the Army recently announced a new campus-style dining model to expand options for service members.
