Nutrition & Health

Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

Study identifies what’s keeping students from eating free school meals

July 23, 2025
By Danielle Lee, Monica D Zuercher, Dania Orta-Aleman, Wendi Gosliner
In a new study published in the Journal of School Health, researchers sought to understand food service directors’ perceptions of why some students were not participating in school meals even when they were served free of charge to all public school students in the U.S. during the COVID-19…
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Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

Statewide School Meals for All policies are associated with lower prevalence of household food insecurity

July 18, 2025
By Danielle Lee, Dania Orta-Aleman, Wendi Gosliner
A new study showed statewide School Meals for All policies are associated with lower prevalence of household food insecurity, particularly among families with lower incomes. Researchers surveyed 3,377 caregivers of school-aged children from eight states—four with universal school meal policies including…
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Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

Qualitative study shows reusable serviceware in school cafeterias were widely accepted across the school community

July 14, 2025
By Danielle Lee, KC Fiedler, Celeste Felix
A new qualitative study in the Journal of Child Nutrition & Management found that reusable serviceware—like trays, cutlery, and bulk condiment dispensers—were widely accepted in a California school district pilot program. Students successfully advocated for reducing single-use items, prompting…
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slices of red watermelon on a plate
UC Master Food Preservers of Central Sierra: Article

Central Sierra: Preserve Watermelon and Eat Summer All Year Long!

July 14, 2025
By Robin E Martin
Preserve It! Summer With Watermelon! by UCCE Master Food Preserver Laurie Lewis Nothing quenches thirst in the heat of the summer as a sweet watermelon can. Who else has childhood memories holding a generous slice in your hands, biting into the fruit as the juice ran down both arms?Watermelon Rinds…
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Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

Caregivers perceive that the social aspects of school meals encourage meal participation and consumption

July 10, 2025
By Jean Aquino, Danielle Lee, Monica D Zuercher, Wendi Gosliner
A new study exploring caregiver perceptions revealed that caregivers believe that social interaction during school meals is important for their children and may encourage healthy meal consumption. Universal School Meals provide school-aged students with nutritious breakfasts and lunches on all school…
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Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

Recent study shows WIC participation supports improved diet quality and reduced food insecurity through childhood

July 9, 2025
By Brianna Aguayo Villalon, Danielle Lee, Lorrene D Ritchie
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, commonly known as WIC, supports the health of low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and young children by providing access to nutritious foods, nutrition education, and health referrals through state and local agencies…
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Un mosquito de cerca
Noticias: Article

Mosquitos salen positivos del virus de Nilo Occidental en California

July 8, 2025
By Basilisa M Rawleigh
La temporada de los mosquitos sigue en su apogeo en California y el mortal virus de Nilo Occidental continúa abriéndose camino por el estado. Los funcionarios de salud han identificado la presencia del virus en 17 condados y confirmado una muerte humana en lo que va del año. El virus del Nilo Occidental es…
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