Nutrition Policy Institute News

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.

Return to the Nutrition Policy Institute website.

NPI News Archive: 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016 • 2015

Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

NPR features Nutrition Policy Institute’s collaborative research on letters home from school on childhood obesity

June 13, 2024

By Lorrene D Ritchie, Danielle Lee

National Public Radio's Shots health news interviewed Nutrition Policy Institute's Hannah Thompson on a 2022 study that showed that letters home from school on childhood obesity had no effect on student weight.

Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

Research Brief: School-based physical activity interventions that include policy changes together with improving physical activity opportunities may be the most effective approach for improving student fitness

June 10, 2024

By Danielle Lee, Sridharshi C Hewawitharana, Miranda W Brown

A new research brief developed by the Nutrition Policy Institute highlights promising school-based CalFresh Healthy LivingCalifornia's SNAP-Ed programphysical activity interventions.

Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

NPI partners to develop and evaluate a marketing campaign to increase school meal participation

June 6, 2024

By Danielle Lee, Christina E Hecht

Increasing participation in school meal programs can improve dietary quality and reduce nutrition insecurity. School food service directors have indicated an urgent need for marketing materials encouraging school meal participation.

Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

New Spanish podcast highlight’s NPI’s 10-year anniversary and Student Fellowship program

May 30, 2024

By Danielle Lee

The Nutrition Policy Institute, founded in 2014, is celebrating a decade of impactful research. The latest episode of the Spanish-language podcast, Charla y Caf al medioda, features NPI senior researcher Ron Strochlic discussing the Institute's history and achievements.

Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

Study reveals parent perceptions of school meals associated with student participation in school meals

May 27, 2024

By Wendi Gosliner, Monica D Zuercher, Lorrene D Ritchie, Brianna Aguayo Villalon

School meals have been shown to be the healthiest source of food for US students on average and have been associated with multiple benefits to students. However, not all students eat school meals, even if they are eligible for free or reduced-price meals based on their family income.