Nutrition & Health

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Research Briefs

Nutrition Policy Institute's research briefs are short, non-technical summaries of a study's key findings—designed to make complex research accessible to broader audiences like policymakers, practitioners, or the public—translating evidence into real-world application through plain language, bullet points,…
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A harvest of crisp, bright green lettuce is satisfying anytime of the year
UC Marin Master Gardeners: Article

Growing Lettuce Year-Round

December 3, 2025
Lettuce is generally considered to be a cool-season annual, but with a little advanced planning and some judicious plant selection, Marin gardeners can enjoy home-grown lettuce throughout the year. Our temperate climate makes it possible to modify the growing conditions for lettuce and enable the plants to…
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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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Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

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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Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

Study highlights barriers to accessing poverty alleviation benefits through the Earned Income Tax Credit

November 25, 2025
By Danielle Lee, Wendi Gosliner
The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, is the largest U.S. poverty alleviation program for families with children—providing over $60 billion annually in tax refunds to over 25 million families. This tax refund can improve low-income families' health by increasing resources for food and housing, however, over…
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Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

New publication shows how Fermi estimates can help fill data gaps in needs assessments

November 24, 2025
By Summer J Cortez, Carolyn D Rider, Miranda W Brown
Nutrition Policy Institute's latest peer-reviewed publication, "Using Fermi Estimates within Needs Assessments: An Extension Professional’s Guide,”  authored by Emma Lonstrup, Carolyn Rider, and Miranda Westfall Brown was published in the Journal of Extension. The publication explores a common challenge…
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orange fleshed squash cut into half-moon shape
UC Master Food Preservers of Central Sierra: Article

Central Sierra: Compote Evokes the Festive Season, Makes a Great Gift

November 24, 2025
Autumn Glory Compote is as good as pie  This autumn compote is a delicious change of pace from eating pumpkin pie, but still evokes the flavors of the harvest, and this tested recipe is safe for boiling water canning as well as atmospheric steam canning*. A versatile condiment with festive…
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Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

Recruiting participants for study on toddlers who drink cow's milk—receive free milk for one year and up to $275 by participating

November 21, 2025
By Danielle Lee
Do you have a toddler who is currently drinking cow’s milk? Do you live in California? You are invited to participate in a 1-year study regarding child milk intake. The purpose of this study is to see how the type of milk—whole fat vs low-fat 1%—consumed between the ages of 2-3 years old affects the health,…
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