Food Stocks Jump as Top MAHA Ally Departs -- WSJ

By Jesse Newman

Shares of food companies jumped after a top adviser to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. quit the Trump administration.

Calley Means, who also worked in the White House, left his role on Thursday, marking the departure of a high-profile ally of Kennedy's "Make America Healthy Again" movement. Means has been an outspoken critic of the food industry and championed efforts during President Trump's second term to remake the food system, including a push to set a federal definition for ultraprocessed foods and to persuade food companies to ditch artificial dyes.

Means had clashed with White House officials in recent months as concerns have grown inside the administration about whether Kennedy's food agenda is feasible-or advisable.

Shares in General Mills gained 8%, while Kraft Heinz shares closed up 6.7%. Campbell's stock ended the session 8.7% higher, and Conagra rose 7.2%

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October 22, 2026 16:14 ET (20:14 GMT)