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

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…

Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

Benefits of School Meals for All policies highlighted in California School Boards Association’s California Schools magazine

September 8, 2025

By Danielle Lee, Wendi Gosliner

Nutrition Policy Institute School Meals for All research was featured in a guest article in the summer issue of the California School Boards Association’s quarterly magazine, California Schools. The article highlights California’s School Meals for All policy, also known as universal school meals,…

Nutrition Policy Institute News: 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…

Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

2025 LEAP Awards recognize excellence in healthy eating and active living across California

September 3, 2025

By Carolyn D Rider, Summer J Cortez

The Nutrition Policy Institute’s CalFresh Healthy Living Evaluation team, in collaboration with the California Department of Public Health, is thrilled to announce recognition of 123 schools, 85 out-of-school time programs, and 106 early care and education programs across California as recipients of the 2025…

Nutrition Policy Institute News: 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…