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 identifies what’s keeping students from eating free school meals

July 23, 2025

By Danielle Lee, Monica D Zuercher, Dania Orta-Aleman, Wendi Gosliner

In a new study published in the Journal of School Health, researchers sought to understand food service directors’ perceptions of why some students were not participating in school meals even when they were served free of charge to all public school students in the U.S. during the COVID-19…

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Statewide School Meals for All policies are associated with lower prevalence of household food insecurity

July 18, 2025

By Danielle Lee, Dania Orta-Aleman, Wendi Gosliner

A new study showed statewide School Meals for All policies are associated with lower prevalence of household food insecurity, particularly among families with lower incomes. Researchers surveyed 3,377 caregivers of school-aged children from eight states—four with universal school meal policies including…

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Qualitative study shows reusable serviceware in school cafeterias were widely accepted across the school community

July 14, 2025

By Danielle Lee, KC Fiedler, Celeste Felix

A new qualitative study in the Journal of Child Nutrition & Management found that reusable serviceware—like trays, cutlery, and bulk condiment dispensers—were widely accepted in a California school district pilot program. Students successfully advocated for reducing single-use items, prompting…

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Caregivers perceive that the social aspects of school meals encourage meal participation and consumption

July 10, 2025

By Jean Aquino, Danielle Lee, Monica D Zuercher, Wendi Gosliner

A new study exploring caregiver perceptions revealed that caregivers believe that social interaction during school meals is important for their children and may encourage healthy meal consumption. Universal School Meals provide school-aged students with nutritious breakfasts and lunches on all school…

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Recent study shows WIC participation supports improved diet quality and reduced food insecurity through childhood

July 9, 2025

By Brianna Aguayo Villalon, Danielle Lee, Lorrene D Ritchie

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, commonly known as WIC, supports the health of low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and young children by providing access to nutritious foods, nutrition education, and health referrals through state and local agencies…

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