Nutrition Policy Institute News Logo

Nutrition Policy Institute News

Mother and son shopping in the produce section of a grocery store.

The latest news and updates from the Nutrition Policy Institute at the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. Sign up to receive Research to Action, the Nutrition Policy Institute's quarterly news brief. 

Return to the Nutrition Policy Institute website. NPI News Archive: 20192018201720162015

New WIC study finds social support encourages program participation

September 10, 2025
By Jean Aquino, Danielle Lee, KC Fiedler, Lorrene D Ritchie
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, commonly known as WIC, provides nutritious food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and health care referrals to pregnant and postpartum women and families with young children with low income. WIC participation improves…
View Article

Study finds universal free school meal policies boost participation and reduce barriers across US schools

September 8, 2025
By Brianna Aguayo Villalon, Danielle Lee, Wendi Gosliner
A new study examining the impact of federal and state Universal Free School Meal policies highlights how expanding access to school meals can help address food insecurity, reduce barriers to meal participation such as stigma and paperwork, and improve children’s diet quality, health, and academic outcomes…
View Article

New fact sheet for clinicians on physical activity during the perinatal period to support maternal health and fetal development

August 27, 2025
By Jean Aquino, Danielle Lee, Hannah R Thompson
The American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine published a new fact sheet for clinicians on physical activity recommendations during the perinatal period—one year before conception to one year after pregnancy. Adequate aerobic activity and strength training during pregnancy and in the postpartum period…
View Article