Story by Panhandle News Network Reporter Luke Wiggs
MARTINSBURG, W.Va — St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Martinsburg was the setting for Governor Patrick Morrisey and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s visit to the Eastern Panhandle.

Governor Morrisey unveiled his “Four Pillars of a Healthy West Virginia” highlighting first “cleaning up the food” and HB 2354 prohibiting seven artificial food dyes in schools and then more broadly throughout the state.

Governor Patrick Morrisey was joined by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in Martinsburg Friday at St. Joseph School in Martinsburg.

“Our kids deserve better and now they are going to get it.” Morrisey said. “I am thankful to the legislature for their leadership in passing this bill and making West Virginia the first state in the nation to make sweeping changes to clean up the food.”
Secondly, “find purpose, find health” extending work, training, and educational requirements for SNAP benefit recipients. “Work is good, work is moral, and it helps us to be stronger.” Morrisey said. “Outside of limited exceptions, if you have the ability to work you should.”
Third, “move your body, change your life” encouraging every West Virginian to walk a “mountaineer mile” each day with Morrisey himself saying he would take the challenge.
Lastly, “rewarding healthy food choices” by changing the SNAP benefits program to no longer include soda and encouraging healthier food options.
“If taxpayers are paying for it, let’s make sure it fuels health and not disease.” Morrisey said.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy then spoke, first, reminiscing warmly on the Mountain State’s role in helping his uncle win his first Presidential election.
“West Virginia holds a special place in the hearts of many Kennedys.” Kennedy said. “During his (John F. Kennedy’s) Presidency he always believed he would not be President if he had not won this state.”
He then compared the health of America during his Uncle’s presidency to now highlighting a major increase is chronic disease and the strain that puts on the country’s healthcare system.
“President Trump says that he wants to restore the American dream.” Kennedy said. “A healthy person has a thousand dreams, a person who is sick has only one. The message I want to give to the country and other governors is to get behind Governor Morrisey and apply for a waiver from my agency and we will give it to you. That is how we will win this.” 
The ceremony ended with Governor Morrisey signing Letters of Intent for waivers from HHS.
Not everyone at the event was a fan of the message, nearly a hundred protesters gathered outside during the ceremony.
“I love to see people show up and exercise their constitutional rights.” Protester Tammy said. “Overall people are tired of the cuts and putting the most vulnerable of us in a worse position than they already are. People are tired of the absolute overreach.”
“Seventeen percent of West Virginians are on SNAP benefits,” a protestor named Barbara said. “I was a teacher for 37 years. I’ve seen children and families in need.”

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