We are pleased to present this guest essay from Ryland Engelhart, co-founder of Kiss The Ground, an organization promoting public health through regenerative agriculture. This mission was the focus of the film "Kiss the Ground" in 2020, and he also was a producer of the documentary "Common Ground," which advocated for cooperative environmental and health policies. The opinions expressed by the author do not necessarily represent those of Hot Air or Townhall Media.  

Robert F. Kennedy Jr's confirmation vote in the Senate is tentatively scheduled for 11 am ET today.

RFR Jr Understands that Public Health Starts with Soil Health

By Ryland Engelhart

For over two decades, I’ve dedicated my life to human and environmental health through growing Cafe Gratitude, a plant-based eatery serving millions of organic meals, and as a co-founder of Kiss the Ground, an organization promoting regenerative agriculture. True public health begins with healthy ecosystems, especially soil. Our well-being is tied to the land, food, and communities we nurture. In this critical moment of health and environmental crises, Bobby Kennedy Jr. understands this and this makes him uniquely qualified to transform public health in America.

I’ve known Bobby for five years, and our shared devotion to making the world healthier has deepened my respect for his intelligence, integrity, and commitment to confronting corporate interests harming people’s health. His 30-year track record as an environmental lawyer shows his ability to take on tough issues and powerful interests like big Agriculture, big pharma, and big corporate polluters.

When I first watched Bobby’s presidential campaign video, I was moved to tears. His sincerity and passion to challenge corruption in government and industry were palpable. His message of “MAHA—Make America Healthy Again” is already making an impact. Toxic food dyes are being banned, food companies are changing ingredients, and people are waking up to the reality that food can be medicine—or poison. This movement is resonating with Americans realizing the direct link between the state of our health and environment.

As an advocate for regenerative agriculture, I’ve struggled to gain national traction. Regenerative practices, which restore soil health and promote nutrient-dense food, offer solutions to climate change and chronic disease. With Bobby in a leadership position at HHS, I believe real change is possible. His mandate to “Make America Healthy Again” presents an unprecedented opportunity to shift national policy toward solutions prioritizing people and the planet’s health.

Bobby has long fought for environmental justice, holding corporations accountable for polluting our air, land, and water. As president of the Waterkeeper Alliance, he led efforts to protect our waterways and ecosystems. His work underscores that environmental degradation and public health crises are inseparable.

At Cafe Gratitude and Kiss the Ground, we’ve advocated for organic whole foods and regenerative agriculture. Healthy soil heals ecosystems, builds resilience, and strengthens immune systems. Environmental health is public health, yet powerful industries—especially in agriculture, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals—continue to shape policies that harm people and the planet. Bobby’s leadership is crucial, as he’s unafraid to challenge these forces.

Bobby called Kiss the Ground the most optimistic environmental film he’d seen in a decade. This recognition speaks volumes, especially given his environmental law background. The film demonstrates how regenerative agriculture can heal the land and improve public health - solutions Bobby has championed for years.

Bobby’s leadership at HHS would move away from corporate pressures, addressing the root causes of illness—pollution, toxic chemicals, and poor nutrition. His preventive approach would focus on systemic environmental factors contributing to chronic disease. Bobby’s advocacy for regenerative agriculture and environmental justice ensures that marginalized communities have a voice in health policy, creating policies that prioritize the public, not corporate profits.

In my work for human and environmental health, Bobby Kennedy is the leader we need to dismantle systemic corruption and create real change. His decades of fighting for the environment and public health make him uniquely qualified to lead the HHS. His leadership would promote a health system that supports both the planet and its people.

Bobby Kennedy’s nomination to head the HHS is an opportunity to reframe health in America, integrating science, prevention, regenerative agriculture, and environmental stewardship. This approach would build a truly preventive health system that benefits everyone.

For these reasons, I fully support Bobby Kennedy’s confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services. I urge Senators on both sides of the aisle to vote to confirm him – at the end of the day our health shouldn’t be a partisan issue.

Bobby Kennedy is the leader we need to ensure our health policies prioritize people over industries and protect both our environment and communities for generations to come.

Ryland Englehart is a long-time leader in the regenerative soil and regenerative agriculture movement. Ryland was the owner of Cafe Gratitude, a plant-based eatery serving millions of organic meals, and the co-founder of Kiss the Ground, an organization promoting regenerative agriculture.