JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Governor Tate Reeves (R-Miss.) issued an executive order to reestablish the Presidential Fitness Test for elementary, middle and high school students across Mississippi.

This comes after President Donald Trump issued an executive order that reestablished the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition and reinstituted the Presidential Fitness Test.

“Students across the country are spending far too much time sitting around looking at screens and eating too much highly-processed junk food,” said Reeves. “We know that obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and poor nutrition lead to more negative health outcomes. If we want more healthy adults in our society, it’s important that we encourage students to be physically active and educate them on healthy eating habits. Mississippi will do its part to build a healthier America.”

Reeves’ executive order directs State Health Officer Dr. Daniel Edney to deliver a report to the governor that proposes evidence-based strategies and suggests public information/education campaigns to address deficiencies in nutrition, diet and exercise across the state.

The order also requests that State Superintendent of Education Dr. Lance Evans work with United States Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to create a report for Reeves that proposes a plan for reestablishing the Presidential Fitness Test.

According to Reeves, both reports are due on June 30, 2026. The test is expected to be implemented in Mississippi during the 2026-27 academic year.