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

Most state school laws lack accountability and funding for physical education and recess

August 25, 2025

By Brianna Aguayo Villalon, Danielle Lee, Hannah R Thompson

Physical education and recess are crucial for increasing children’s physical activity levels, socioemotional health, and academic performance; however, compliance with existing laws is often low in elementary schools. While studies show that states with strong laws are more likely to implement physical…

Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

Hannah Thompson joins KQED Forum to discuss the history and future of school fitness testing

August 18, 2025

By Danielle Lee, Hannah R Thompson

Nutrition Policy Institute researcher Hannah Thompson joined KQED Forum to discuss the current administration's efforts to resume the Presidential Fitness Test in schools. In her interview, Thompson explained how the US dismantled physical education programs in 2002 through the No Child Left Behind Act,…

Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

Take-up of the Child Tax Credit by families with low income increased during COVID-19 with program expansion

August 11, 2025

By Jean Aquino, Danielle Lee, Wendi Gosliner

The Child Tax Credit, commonly known as CTC, is a social safety net program that provides financial support to families with low income. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress increased the CTC from $2,000 to $3,600 per child per year and added advance payment options to support families monthly throughout…

Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

New study reveals an association between WIC participation during pregnancy and gestational weight gain

August 1, 2025

By Jean Aquino, Danielle Lee, Caitlin D French

A 2025 study in the Current Developments in Nutrition, revealed that participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, commonly known as WIC, may modestly decrease the risk for low gestational weight gain and slow gestational weight gain rate. Notably,…

Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

New research brief examines strengths and opportunities to support health promotion practices in early childhood programs

July 31, 2025

By Reka Vasicsek, Summer J Cortez, Miranda W Brown

Research by the Nutrition Policy Institute’s CalFresh Healthy Living team highlights the importance of providing tailored resources and support for nutrition and physical activity in childcare settings to create equitable early childhood environments. CalFresh Healthy Living, known nationally as SNAP-Ed,…