Nutrition Policy Institute News

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 providing information on research, policy, news, announcements, events, articles and action items focused on nutrition and healthy communities.

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NPI News Archive: 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016 • 2015

Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

Study suggests a school district audit, feedback and coaching program can be successfully implemented to support improved elementary school physical education

August 3, 2023

By Danielle Lee, Hannah R Thompson

Some US state laws require schools to provide certified physical education, or PE, teachers and a minimum amount of PE to support students in achieving 60 minutes of daily physical activity. However, adherence to these laws is low, especially in elementary schools.

Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

In Memoriam: Dianne S. Ward, leading early childhood nutrition and physical activity public health researcher at the University of North Carolina

August 1, 2023

By Danielle Lee, Lorrene D Ritchie

It is with profound grief the Nutrition Policy Institute has learned of the untimely death of a dear colleague and early childhood nutrition and physical activity public health researcher at the University of North Carolina, Dianne S. Ward.

Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

NPI is seeking a part-time 2023-2024 University of California Global Food Initiative graduate student research fellow

July 27, 2023

By Danielle Lee

The Nutrition Policy Institute at the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources is seeking a part-time graduate student fellow to support a research project studying how K-12 schools transitioning to scratch cooking and using reusable serviceware can impact students' dietary intake...

Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

New study shows low levels of pesticides and phthalates and no BPA in school meals but high levels of a chemical plasticizer in prepackaged meals

July 26, 2023

By Wendi Gosliner, Danielle Lee

Pesticides, phthalates, bisphenol-A, commonly known as BPA, and plasticizers are chemicals commonly used in the food supply chain that can have negative health consequences for people regularly exposed to them.

Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

New study suggests working families with low income spend their tax credits on basic needs such as bills, debt, housing and transportation

July 25, 2023

By Wendi Gosliner, Danielle Lee

Eligible working families with low income that have children can receive the earned income tax credit, commonly known as the EITC, annually in the form of a lump-sum federal tax refund averaging about $2,500.