Nutrition & Health

Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

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…
View Article
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…
View Article
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…
View Article
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…
View Article
Primary Image
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
By Robin E Martin
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…
View Article
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,…
View Article
UC Master Gardeners of Placer County: Page

Hands-on Activities

   Join Us for National Seed Swap Day at the Loomis Veteran's Hall on January 31stThe event is free, and you don’t need to have seeds to attend!  Hosted by UC Master Gardeners of Placer CountyJanuary 31, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.Loomis Veteran’s Hall, 5945 Horseshoe Bar Road…
View Page
Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

New study finds deimplementing Universal Free School Meals adversely affects students and school food authorities

November 17, 2025
By Brianna Aguayo Villalon, Danielle Lee, Monica D Zuercher, Wendi Gosliner
The National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program play a crucial role in ensuring access to nutritious meals for children in the US. During the COVID-19 pandemic, federal waivers allowed all schools to offer Universal Free School Meals (UFSM) from 2020 to 2022, but when these waivers expired,…
View Article
UC Master Food Preservers of Central Sierra: Article

Central Sierra: For Low-Sugar Jelly Options, Consider the Freezer

November 13, 2025
By Robin E Martin
Preserve It! Homemade Fruit Spread is a Freezer Delight!  What would you say to a fruit spread recipe with a low or no sugar option? Yes? Short on canning jars or just don’t want to deal with the processing? Freezer jam is the answer. A bonus is that freezer jam stays soft and can be scooped out as…
View Article
Primary Image
artichoke blossoms
UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

Central Sierra: Take Advantage of Winter Dormancy for a Gorgeous Spring Bloom

November 13, 2025
By Robin E Martin
Winter Dormancy: Gardening For the Fourth Season The winter holidays are just around the corner, and hopefully you have your garden in order. Spring bulbs are planted. Garlic and potatoes are in the ground. Your garden has been “put to bed.” Tools have been sharpened and put away. Tender plants are…
View Article