Nutrition & Health

Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

Study finds universal free school meal policies boost participation and reduce barriers across US schools

September 8, 2025
By Brianna Aguayo Villalon, Danielle Lee, Wendi Gosliner
A new study examining the impact of federal and state Universal Free School Meal policies highlights how expanding access to school meals can help address food insecurity, reduce barriers to meal participation such as stigma and paperwork, and improve children’s diet quality, health, and academic outcomes…
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Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

2025 LEAP Awards recognize excellence in healthy eating and active living across California

September 3, 2025
By Carolyn D Rider, Summer J Cortez
The Nutrition Policy Institute’s CalFresh Healthy Living Evaluation team, in collaboration with the California Department of Public Health, is thrilled to announce recognition of 123 schools, 85 out-of-school time programs, and 106 early care and education programs across California as recipients of the 2025…
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Aerial view of harvester driving through crop field
Food Blog: Article

How can we feed a growing population?

August 27, 2025
By Ria DeBiase
In his UC Press book, “Food Fight,” UC Davis Distinguished Professor Emeritus Richard J. Sexton contends misguided policies that reduce food crop yields or redirect food crops for use as biofuels may be taking us further from the goal of adequately feeding the world in the future.
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Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

New fact sheet for clinicians on physical activity during the perinatal period to support maternal health and fetal development

August 27, 2025
By Jean Aquino, Danielle Lee, Hannah R Thompson
The American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine published a new fact sheet for clinicians on physical activity recommendations during the perinatal period—one year before conception to one year after pregnancy. Adequate aerobic activity and strength training during pregnancy and in the postpartum period…
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Kids Learning about Plants at Summer Camp session in Chapman Teaching Garden. Laura Lukes
The Real Dirt: Article

Living Lab: Chapman Community Teaching Garden

August 26, 2025
“Living Lab” is the perfect name for an innovative outdoor learning and teacher-training program that just might change a child’s life. Our Master Gardeners (MGs) Living Lab team offers a number of resources for local schools. This article focuses on our collaboration with the Chico Area Recreation District …
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Nutrition Policy Institute News: Article

Most state school laws lack accountability and funding for physical education and recess

August 25, 2025
By Brianna Aguayo Villalon, Danielle Lee, Hannah R Thompson
Physical education and recess are crucial for increasing children’s physical activity levels, socioemotional health, and academic performance; however, compliance with existing laws is often low in elementary schools. While studies show that states with strong laws are more likely to implement physical…
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two orange and green tomatoes with water droplets appear on a vine
UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County: Article

Central Sierra: To Prune Tomatoes or Not to Prune Tomatoes

August 19, 2025
Understanding the when, why, and how of pruning tomatoes for the best yield To prune or not to prune tomatoes, that is a question that backyard tomato growers need to answer for themselves. Growing strong, healthy tomato plants increases the chance of getting a large crop of delicious tomatoes. The…
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A dark brown insect on a light surface.
Pests in the Urban Landscape: Article

Just a Kiss? Kissing Bugs in Summer

August 19, 2025
By Marco Metzger, California Department of Public Health
This article covers kissing bugs (also known as conenose bugs). They are an occasional summertime insect pest of sparsely-inhabited rural or suburban areas.
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healthy fresh peaches on a tree branch
UC Master Food Preservers of Central Sierra: Article

Central Sierra: Think Georgia Produces the Most Peaches? Think again!

August 19, 2025
By Robin E Martin
Preserve It! Peaches!  Don't Hesitate to Buy Loads of Fuzzy Peaches (in season!)  Have you noticed that fresh peaches have more fuzz than peaches in grocery stores? Before peaches are sold in grocery stores, some of the fuzz is removed to make it more appealing. It is thought that too much fuzz on…
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