Nutrition Policy Institute

CalFresh Healthy Living Publications

All CFHL Publications

Below is a comprehensive citation list of all CalFresh Healthy Living related publications in reverse chronological order.

View products by year: 2026 • 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 and earlier

 

2026

Briefs

  • Rider CD, Kao J, Linares A, Cortez S, Talmage E, Vital N, Brown MW. Data briefs: California Department of Public Health CalFresh Healthy Living FFY 2025. Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. 21 January 2026. [Full text]

 

2025

Publications

  • Linares A, Hewawitharana SC, Plank K, Rider CD, Woodward-Lopez G, Brown MW. Student and school characteristics modify the impact of SNAP-Ed on student dietary and physical activity outcomes. Public Health Nutrition, published online ahead of print, 27 Aug 2025. doi:10.1017/S136898002510092X [Abstract] [Full text]  
  • Linares A, Baig R, Hewawitharana SC, Woodward-Lopez G, Brown MW. Dietary Effects of School-Based SNAP-Ed Education with and without Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change Strategies. Journal of Community Health, published online ahead of print, 19 August 2025. doi:10.1007/s10900-025-01507-0 [Abstract] [Full text]
  • Vasicsek R, Rider C, Pulvera R, Linares A, Kao J, Brown MW. Adoption of Nutrition and Physical Activity Best Practices in the Early Care and Education Setting: Examination of Differences Between Centers and Family Child Care Homes. Childhood Obesity, published online ahead of print, 10 Mar 2025. doi:10.1089/chi.2024.0369 [Abstract] [Full text]
  • Lonstrup E, Rider CD, Westfall MR. Using Fermi Estimates within Needs Assessments: An Extension Professional’s Guide. The Journal of Extension, volume 63, issue 4, article 14, 2025. [Abstract] [Full text]

Briefs

  • Cortez S, Vasicsek R, Linares A, Brown MW. Research Brief: Student and school characteristics modify impact of SNAP-Ed on dietary and physical activity outcomes. Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. October 2025. [Download full text PDF (378 KB)]
  • Vasicsek R, Cortez S, Linares A, Brown MW. Research Brief: Effects of School-Based SNAP-Ed Education Interventions with and without Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change Strategies. Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. September 2025. [Download full text PDF (345 KB)]
  • Vasicsek R, Rider CD, Cortez S, Brown MW. Research Brief: Nutrition and Physical Activity Best Practices in Childcare Settings: Family Child Care Homes and Childcare Centers. Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. July 2025. [Download full text PDF (469 KB)]
  • Vasicsek R, Cortez S, Pulvera R, Gosliner W. Research Brief: Availability and Quality of Healthy Foods Vary by Store Participation in SNAP and WIC in Low-Income California Neighborhoods. Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. 17 March 2025. [Download full text PDF (329 KB)]
  • Vasicsek R, Cortez S, Woodward-Lopez G. Research Brief: COVID-19 in low-income communities: Changes in food acquisition, diet, and body weight. Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. 5 March 2025. [Download full text PDF (453 KB)]
  • Vasicsek R, Cortez S, Linares A. Research Brief: Impact of COVID-19: Association between school meal intake and fruit, vegetable, and sugary drink consumption. Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. 19 February 2025. [Download full text PDF (1,246 KB)]
  • Data Brief: FFY 2024 CalFresh Healthy Living Data Briefs (Compiled). Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. 22 January 2025. [Full text]

 

2024

Publications

  • Vasicsek R, Rider D. NPI partners with local health departments to support children’s healthy eating and active living through LEAP Awards program. UC Delivers, 2 July 2024. [Full text]
  • School Recess: A Chance to Address Health Inequity Across California. NPI Research to Action News Brief. 8 February 2024. [Article]
  • Hsu M. NPI researchers find school recess varies with school size, family income. UCANR News. 7 February 2024. [Article]

Briefs

  • Linares A, Baig R, Brassuel-Wax R. Infographic: FFY 2024 CalFresh Healthy Living Adult Education in California. Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. 2024 November. [Full text]
  • Linares A, Baig R, Brassuel-Wax R. Infographic: FFY 2024 CalFresh Healthy Living in California Schools. Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. 2024 August. [Full text]
  • Data Brief: FFY 2023 CalFresh Healthy Living Data Briefs (Compiled). Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. 30 May 2024. [Full text]
  • 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. Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. May 2024. [Full text]

 

2023

Publications

  • Pulvera R, Hewawitharana SC, Thompson HR, Leung CW, Gosliner W. Availability and Quality of Healthy Foods Vary by Store Participation in SNAP and WIC in Low-Income California Neighborhoods. Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition, published online 26 November 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19320248.2023.2285922 [Abstract] [Full text]
  • Plank K, Linares A, Hewawitharana S, Woodward-Lopez G. Schools provided healthy meals even during COVID. California Agriculture, volume 77, number 3, 7 November 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3733/ca.2023a0012 [Abstract] [Full text]
  • Woodward-Lopez G, Esaryk E, Rauzon S, Hewawitharana SC, Thompson HR, Cordon I, Whetstone L. Associations between Changes in Food Acquisition Behaviors, Dietary Intake, and Bodyweight during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Low-Income Parents in California. Nutrients, volume 15, issue 21, article 4618, 31 October 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15214618 [Abstract] [Full text]
  • Rauzon S, Hewawitharana SC, Esaryk EE, Thompson HR, Whetstone L, Cordon I, Woodward-Lopez GM. Parent perceptions of changes in eating behavior during COVID-19 of school-aged children from Supplemental Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) eligible households in California. Preventive Medicine Reports, volume 35, article number 102365, October 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102365 [Abstract] [Full text]
  • Thompson HR, London R. Not All Fun and Games: Disparities in School Recess Access Persist, and Must Be Addressed. Preventative Medicine Reports, volume 35, article number 10230123, October 2023. DOI: https://10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102301 [Abstract] [Full text]
  • Hewawitharana SC, Woodward-Lopez G, Ohri-Vachaspati P, Acciai F, Thompson HR, Pugliese J, Gosliner W. Latent class analysis identifies a promising combination of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education interventions for improving student cardiorespiratory fitness. Preventive Medicine, volume 175, article 107687, October 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107687 [Abstract] [Full text]
  • Woodward-Lopez G, Esaryk EE, Hewawitharana SC, Kao J, Talmage E, Rider CD. Supplemental nutrition assistance program education reductions during COVID-19 may have exacerbated health inequities. SSM - Population Health, article number 101471, available online 23 July 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101471 [Abstract] [Full text]
  • Linares A, Plank K, Hewawitharana SC, Woodward-Lopez G. The impact of SNAP-Ed interventions on California students’ diet and physical activity during COVID-19. Public Health Nutrition, pages 1-28, 19 January 2023. DOI: https://10.1017/S1368980023000137 [Full text]

Briefs

  • Research Brief: Health inequities may have been exacerbated by SNAP-Ed reductions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. 13 November 2023. [Full text]
  • Research Brief: CalFresh Healthy Living Interventions Increase Students' Fruit and Vegetable Consumption During Covid-19 School Closures. Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. 19 September 2023. [Full text]
  • Local Health Department PEARS Data Briefs: FFY 2022 Full Report. Multi-Year PEARS Data Review. July 2023. CalFresh Healthy Living Evaluation Unit, Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. [Full text]

 

2022

Publications

  • Plank K, Hewawitharana S, Talmage E, Rauzon S, Woodward-Lopez G. School meal access and changes in meal participation during COVID-19 school closures: A stratified random sample of CalFresh Healthy Living Eligible school districts in California. Preventive Medicine Reports, volume 28, August 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.101794 [Abstract] [Full text]
  • Linares A, Harpainter P, Plank K, Woodward-Lopez G. Lessons Learned Recruiting Comparison Elementary Schools for Impact Evaluation of SNAP-Ed Interventions. The Journal of Extension, volume 60, issue 2, article 17, 16 June 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.60.02.17 [Abstract] [Full text]
  • Thompson HR, Martin A, Strochlic R, Singh S, Woodward-Lopez G. Limited implementation of California’s Healthy Default Beverage law for children’s meals sold online. Public Health Nutrition, 10 January 2022, pages 1-23. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980022000039 [Abstract] [Full text]

Briefs

  • Thompson HR, Strochlic R, Singh S, Plank K, Martin A, Woodward-Lopez G. Research Brief: Study in SNAP-Ed eligible communities finds that limited implementation of California’s Healthy Default Beverage law for kids’ meals sold online may limit the law’s effectiveness. California Department of Public Health, CalFresh Healthy Living. Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. 21 October 2022. [Full text]
  • Research Brief: Opportunities for CalFresh Healthy Living to support equitable school meal access during emergency school closures. California Department of Public Health, CalFresh Healthy Living. University of California, Division of Agriculture, Nutrition Policy Institute. 25 May 2022. [Full text]

 

2021

Publications

  • Rider CD, Kao J, Hewawitharana SC, Beker CM, Linares A, Woodward-Lopez G. Validity and Reliability of a Site-Level Assessment Questionnaire to Assess Nutrition and Physical Activity Practices in Schools. Childhood Obesity, 20 December 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/chi.2021.0148 [Abstract] [Full text]
  • Hewawitharana SC, Kao L, Rider CD, Talmage E, Costello S, Webb K, Gosliner W, Woodward-Lopez G. Method for Scoring Dose of Multicomponent Interventions: A Building Block for Future Evaluations. American Journal of Evaluation, 21 October 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1098214020962223 [Abstract] [Full text]
  • Strochlic R, Woodward-Lopez G, Plank K, Hewawitharana S, Richardson J, Whetstone L. Will high school students 'rethink their drink'? Findings from an impact evaluation of a healthy beverage curriculum. Health Education Journal, 23 September 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/00178969211045725 [Abstract] [Full text]
  • Strochlic R, Woodward-Lopez G, Hewawitharana S, Streng K, Richardson J, Whetstone L, Gorshow D. A Harvest of the Month Curriculum Increases Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among 4th-6th Grade Students. Journal of School Health, September 2021, Volume 91, Issue 9, Pages 750-760. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.13066 [Abstract] [Full text]
  • George B, Rider C, Kao J, Becker C, Linares A, Woodward-Lopez G. Community health and wellness practioners increase evaluation capacity by using NPI tools. UC Delivers. 2 June 2021. [Article]

Briefs

  • Becker C, Talmage E, Kao J, Rider CD. Background on Local Health Department Reporting of CalFresh Healthy Living Programs in the Program Evaluation and Reporting System, FFY 2020. Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Research and Evaluation Unit, UC ANR Nutrition Policy Institute. July 2021. [Full text]

 

2020

Publications

  • Rider C, Linares A, Kao J, Becker C, Woodward-Lopez G. Assessing Healthful Eating and Physical Activity Practices in Places Children Learn. Journal of Extension, 17 December 2020. [Full text]
  • Thompson HR, Hewawitharana SC, Kao J, Rider C, Talmage E, Gosliner W, Whetston L, Woodward-Lopez G. SNAP-Ed physical activity interventions in low-income schools are associated with greater cardiovascular fitness among 5th and 7th grade students in California. Preventive Medicine Reports, Volume 20, December 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2020.101222 [Abstract] [Full text]
  • Harpainter P, Hewawitharana SC, Lee DL, Martin AC, Gosliner W, Ritchie LD, Woodward-Lopez G. Voluntary Kids' Meal Beverage Standards: Are They Sufficient to Ensure Healthier Restaurant Practices and Consumer Choice? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 22 July 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155275 [Abstract] [Full text]
  • Tsai M, Harpainter P, Martin A, Woodward-Lopez G, Lee D, Ritchie L. Healthy Default Beverages in Kids’ Meals: Evaluating Policy Adherence and Impact in California. Current Developments in Nutrition, Volume 4, Issue Supplement 2, 29 May 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzaa051_027 [Abstract] [Full text]

 

2019

Publications

Briefs

  • Blondin K, Crawford P, Orta-Aleman D, Randel-Schreiber H, Strochlic R, Webb K, Woodward-Lopez G. School-based interventions for promoting nutrition and physical activity & preventing obesity: overview of studies and findings. Nutrition Policy Institute. November 2019. [Full report]
  • Evaluation Brief for Local Health Departments, Healthy Default Beverages in Kid's Meals. Nutrition Policy Institute. October 2019.  [Full text]
  • Increasing Local Park Use Requires Infrastructure Improvement and Sustainable Programming. Nutrition Policy Institute. 18 September 2019. [Full text]
  • Blondin K, Orta-Aleman D, Woodward-Lopez G. Early Care and Education (ECE) Interventions for Promoting Nutrition and Physical Activity and Preventing Obesity. Nutrition Policy Institute. March 2019. [Full text]

 

2018 and earlier

Publications

  • Gosliner W, Brown DM, Sun BC, Woodward-Lopez G, Crawford PB. Availability, quality and price of produce in low-income neighbourhood food stores in California raise equity issues. Public Health Nutrition, published online 15 March 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980018000058 [Abstract] [Full text]

Briefs

  • Review of the Evidence: Health Promotion Strategies for Retail Food Shopping Venues. UC Agriculture and Natural Resources Nutrition Policy Institute, 2016. [Full text]