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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

Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

New Journal of Nutrition review examines how nutrition ecology shapes child and adolescent development

January 8, 2026
By Danielle Lee, Lorrene D Ritchie
A new review published in the Journal of Nutrition highlights how children’s and adolescents’ nutrition—and its impact on health, learning, and development—is shaped by a complex nutrition ecology that extends beyond individual dietary intake. The paper is part of the Biomarkers of Nutrition for…
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Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

Policy brief highlights how longer WIC participation is linked to healthier diets for young children

January 7, 2026
By Danielle Lee, Lorrene D Ritchie
A new policy brief highlights a study showing how longer participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC, is associated with higher diet quality among children ages 2 to 5. Using a national sample, the study showed that children who stayed enrolled in…
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Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

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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Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

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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Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

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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