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

Providing WIC families with more money to buy fruits and vegetables should be continued

June 7, 2023

By Danielle Lee, Lorrene D Ritchie

A recent study conducted in California examined the impact of increased cash value benefits to purchase fruits and vegetables in the federal Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

LAist AirTalk podcast features Wendi Gosliner to discuss chocolate milk in school cafeterias and the USDA’s new proposed school nutrition standards

June 7, 2023

By Danielle Lee, Wendi Gosliner

The U.S. Department of Agriculture proposed new nutritional standards to improve the healthfulness of child nutrition programs, which includes school meals. The new rule sets strict sodium targets and the first ever restriction on added sugars.

Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

The New York Times features Monica Zuercher’s voice on benefits of free school meals

May 26, 2023

By Lorrene D Ritchie, Monica D Zuercher

During the pandemic, the United States Department of Agriculture temporarily offered free school meals every school day to all students at no charge, but this federal provision ended in June 2022.

Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

California parents value School Meals for All and offer suggestions to strengthen school meal programs

May 17, 2023

By Danielle Lee, Wendi Gosliner, Lorrene D Ritchie

According to a study conducted by the Nutrition Policy Institute at the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, parents of K-12 students in California overwhelmingly value the benefits of school meals, such as saving families money and time, reducing family stress, and improving...

Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

Research brief assesses how safety net supports can better meet the needs of families with low incomes

May 15, 2023

By Danielle Lee, Wendi Gosliner

Over 13 million Californians participate in safety net programs that provide resources including health insurance, food assistance, and tax credits.