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

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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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