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

13 years of data reveal improving student fitness levels across NYC public schools, but inequities persist

March 18, 2026

By Brianna Aguayo Villalon

A 2026 longitudinal study assessed 13 years of school-based fitness testing data from New York City students in grades 4-12 at 1,721 public schools. Researchers used data from three FitnessGram tests -aerobic capacity, push-ups, and curl-ups -and looked at how many students were meeting age- and…

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California Nutrition Incentive Program supports increased fruit and vegetable purchases without increasing food waste

March 11, 2026

By Brianna Aguayo Villalon

The California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP) supports Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) shoppers in purchasing fruits and vegetables by providing a dollar-for-dollar match to SNAP dollars spent on produce. Nutrition Policy Institute researchers conducted a mixed-methods study utilizing…

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New study examines how student perceptions of school meals influence their participation

March 9, 2026

By Brianna Aguayo Villalon

School meals play a critical role in supporting children’s nutrition and health in the United States; however, only about half of students participate in the National School Lunch Program on a typical school day. A recent study showed that student perceptions of school meals influence their participation…

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Mapping opportunities to expand CACFP participation among California family child care homes

March 4, 2026

By Danielle Lee

A new, interactive map explores participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, or CACFP, among family child care homes across California and highlights opportunities to expand access to nutritious meals for young children. Administered in California by the California Department of Social…

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Water Is K’é: using tradition to build healthier hydration habits

March 2, 2026

By Brianna Aguayo Villalon

Can reconnecting with one’s traditional culture be an important key to healthy habits? A recent community-based study evaluated the impact of a culturally-grounded intervention designed to improve beverage consumption habits among young Navajo children. Between 2021 and 2023, 74 families participated in…

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