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Nutrition Policy Institute News

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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

Pilot study suggests text messages to SNAP shoppers may improve awareness of farmers’ markets

December 16, 2025
By Danielle Lee, Sridharshi C Hewawitharana, Ron Strochlic, Samantha Sam-Chen, Wendi Gosliner
The California Nutrition Incentive Program, or CNIP, matches Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—or SNAP and also known as CalFresh in California—dollars spent on fruits and vegetables at certified farmers’ markets and other retail locations. This program is known in many places as Market Match…
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New study highlights effective messaging strategies to motivate parents to encourage children's participation in universal free school meals

December 16, 2025
By Brianna Aguayo Villalon, Christina E Hecht, Danielle Lee
The National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program provide essential nutritional and academic benefits to millions of children. High participation in these programs will help universal free school meals in several states to be successful. A recent study published in the Journal of the…
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New policy brief explores safety net program participation, diet quality, and weight among disadvantaged children

December 11, 2025
By Brianna Aguayo Villalon, Danielle Lee, Lorrene D Ritchie
A new policy brief highlighting a recent study shows how federal safety net programs such as Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and especially the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, also known as WIC, play a critical role in improving diet…
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New case study outlines a five-step process for engaging pediatricians on submitting public comments to shape child health and nutrition policy

December 3, 2025
By Brianna Aguayo Villalon, Christina E Hecht, Danielle Lee
Pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists—medical practitioners who provide comprehensive care for children, including those with specific medical conditions or developmental needs—are uniquely positioned to advocate for children’s health by contributing their clinical expertise to inform public policy. The…
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Family childcare home providers recommend higher reimbursements from the Child and Adult Care Food Program to support healthier foods for young children

December 1, 2025
By Danielle Lee, Kassandra A Bacon, Lorrene D Ritchie
The Child and Adult Care Food Program, or CACFP, is the largest federal nutrition program for childcare, providing nutritious foods and beverages to over 4.5 million children nationally. Nutrition Policy Institute researchers interviewed family childcare home provider CACFP participants, their sponsors and…
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