Story perspectives

U.S. Official Claims $9 Daily Diet, Faces Backlash

1/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 14, 2025, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins suggested Americans could meet their nutritional needs for $9 a day, with a meal costing about $3.
The remark followed the Trump administration's updated dietary guidelines.
Critics challenged Rollins' assertion, arguing it oversimplified financial and nutritional challenges, as grocery prices rose 0.7% in December 2025.
Rollins' proposed meal averages about 223 calories, drawing ridicule.

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Story summary

On January 14, 2025, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins suggested Americans could meet their nutritional needs for $9 a day, with a meal costing about $3.
The remark followed the Trump administration's updated dietary guidelines.
Critics challenged Rollins' assertion, arguing it oversimplified financial and nutritional challenges, as grocery prices rose 0.7% in December 2025.
Rollins' proposed meal averages about 223 calories, drawing ridicule.