When students at the University of Rhode Island line up for their daily iced coffee, most aren’t thinking about federal nutrition policy, but a recent statement from United States Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is stirring conversation on campus.
At a February rally in Texas, Kennedy questioned whether popular drinks from chains like Dunkin and Starbucks are truly safe, pointing to some beverages that contain over 100 grams of sugar. He challenged the companies to provide “safety data” proving such drinks are appropriate for “teenage girls.”
At URI, Dunkin is an integral part of many student’s routines.
“I go all the time before my 9 a.m. [class],” First-year Hope Clemence said. “It’s not even about the caffeine anymore, it’s just part of my day.”
For some students, Kennedy’s comments feel disconnected from their reality.
“I get what he’s saying but no one thinks iced coffee is healthy food,” First-year Tommy Kennedy said. “It’s like obviously it has sugar. That’s kind of the point.”
Some students say the conversation highlights the broader issue of moderation.
“I think people should just be aware of what they’re drinking,” Clemence said. “If you’re getting a super sugary drink every day, yeah, that’s not great. But once in a while? It’s fine.”
The debate also reflects something deeper, how food and drink tie into identity and culture, especially in the New England region, according to a YahooNews article.
“I feel like Dunkin has a lot of ties to New England culture, there are like over 1000 Dunkins across New England,” Kennedy said. “It’s a staple for many people, not just URI students. If someone tries to take that away, people are going to be upset.”
Even as national conversations around nutrition continue, it’s clear that for many URI students iced coffee isn’t going anywhere. With on campus options such as 193 Coffeehouse, access to iced coffee is still plausible.
