- Author: Michael Hsu
![NPI director Lorrene Ritchie sits with Sri Hewawitharana in the NPI conference room](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/food/blogfiles/106629small.jpg)
NPI researchers provide influential evidence that shapes federal, state nutrition programs
Of the many challenges facing humanity, nothing is more fundamental than securing healthy food and water for all. Life itself would not be possible without nutrients, energy and water – but for many...
/h3>- Author: Kathy Beerman, Ph.D., School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University
![Children from food-insecure households were more likely to be overweight or obese and less frequently ate breakfast or dinner with family. (Photo: Gtorres8944stash)](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/food/blogfiles/62966small.jpg)
A well-nourished population requires that all members of society have access to sufficient amounts of nutritious food. Unfortunately, food insecurity continues to be a staggering problem throughout the world with negative consequences in terms of health and well-being.
In the United States, millions of households, an estimated 1 in 8 Americans, lack access to enough food. Children growing up in food insecure households face many challenges, such as behavioral problems, lower academic achievement, disrupted social interactions and poor health. The prevailing belief is that children living in a food insecure environment are at greater risk of undernutrition, not obesity. Although this may be true in some cases, food...
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
![WIC participants receive nutrition education and counseling along with assistance to buy nutritious foods. (Photo: USDA)](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/food/blogfiles/33619small.jpg)
The flexibility and convenience of online learning doesn't diminish the effectiveness of training for families receiving nutrition education from the federal WIC program, according to new research by UC Agriculture and Natural Resources nutrition scientists that was published in the December issue of Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Established in 1974, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is the only federal nutrition program that provides education and counseling to recipients who receive assistance to buy nutritious foods. Depending on the learning style and...