Nutrition Policy Institute Logo

Nutrition Policy Institute

Mother and son shopping in the produce section of a grocery store.

Research for healthy food, people and places

The Nutrition Policy Institute (NPI) envisions a world in which healthy food, beverages and opportunities for physical activity are accessible, affordable, equitable and sustainable for everyone. NPI's mission is to conduct and translate policy-relevant research to transform environments for healthy children, families and communities.

Nutrition Policy Institute News

Stay informed with the latest research, policy, and news from the Nutrition Policy Institute.  Please see additional news items on our Nutrition Policy Institute news blog.

Hannah Thompson stands with colleagues at a 2024 California Play Equity Report event.

Hannah Thompson selected for University of California Presidential Faculty Fellows Program

May 12, 2026 - NPI director Hannah Thompson was one of 11 University of California faculty members selected for the UCDC Presidential Faculty Fellows Program. As part of the fellowship, she will be in Washington, D.C. May 17-22 meeting with federal stakeholders to discuss the importance of policies that require and support daily physical education, or PE, and universal meals in K-12 schools.

 

An elementary school student lays on his stomach on a yoga mat outside on the school blacktop, stretching his head and chest up while his PE teacher holds a ruler under his chin.

New study finds gaps in state infrastructure for school fitness testing

May 11, 2026 - New NPI study highlights major gaps in state readiness for implementing the reinstated Presidential Fitness Test.

 

School lunch served on stainless steel reusable trays.

Transitioning to reusable serviceware in school lunches reveals significant reductions in waste generation

May 7, 2026 - A recent NPI study revealed that schools using reusable serviceware during lunch meals had overall waste reduction of approximately 5 kilograms per day compared to 1 kilogram per day in comparison schools. This difference suggests the potential for substantial waste reduction if schools switch from disposable to reusable servicewear. 

 

Join Our Mailing List

The Nutrition Policy Institute's quarterly news brief provides information on research, policy, news, announcements, events, articles and action items focused on nutrition and healthy communities. 

Sign up to receive the NPI Research to Action news brief

Contribute for a Better Future

Make a Gift

Office Locations

Nutrition Policy Institute

University of California Office of the President
1111 Franklin St.
Oakland, CA 94607
United States

Mission Statement

The Nutrition Policy Institute (NPI) conducts research for healthy food, people and places. NPI envisions a world in which healthy food, beverages and opportunities for physical activity are accessible, affordable, equitable and sustainable for everyone. NPI's mission is to conduct and translate policy-relevant research to transform environments for healthy children, families and communities.