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Nutrition Policy Institute

@npi.ucanr.edu
159 followers 203 following 191 posts

The @ucanr.bsky.social Nutrition Policy Institute (NPI) envisions a world where healthy foods, beverages & physical activity are convenient, accessible, affordable & sustainable for all. NPI conducts and translates policy-relevant research.

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 10h
Join us in welcoming Darren Lov as @uofcalifornia.bsky.social Bonnie Reiss Climate Action Fellow for @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu! Darren is a PhD student from @ucla.edu in Health Policy and Management, studying how nutrition education in school settings impact school lunch participation bit.ly/3TxjaSA
A photo of Darren Lov with a green box overlaying with white text that reads: “We are excited to welcome Darren Lov as our University of California Bonnie Reiss Climate Action fellow!” The Nutrition Policy Institute logo is included in white over a blue background.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 10h
We are excited to welcome Caroline Nguyen as a Research Data Analyst at the @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu. They will support projects evaluating ultra-processed foods in school meals, WIC and a clinical trial on the best milk type for toddlers. Learn more about Caroline: bit.ly/4xQQimn
Caroline Nguyen stands in front of a beach as the sun sets in the background. White text over a green box reads we are excited to welcome Caroline Nguyen as a Research Data Analyst.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 21/09/2026
Tracking growth trajectories may better identify nutritional influences on cognitive development. A new study suggests early growth patterns are linked to attention and memory, especially in boys, highlighting the importance of longitudinal, sex-specific evaluation. bit.ly/4ikNpX2
Two toddlers and a caretaker play with wooden lettered blocks on the floor. Text reads: Tracking growth trajectories may better identify nutritional influences on cognitive development. New study highlights importance of longitudinal, sex-specific evaluations. The Nutrition Policy Institute logo is included.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 16/09/2026
We are excited to share that Emma Hernandez joined @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu as a Student Communications Assistant to support NPI’s communications & Spanish-language outreach! Emma is an undergraduate student at the @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social studying nutrition and public health! bit.ly/4AgcMjj
Emma Hernandez with a yellow box overlaying with blue text that reads: “We are excited to welcome Emma Hernandez as our Student Communications Assistant!” The Nutrition Policy Institute logo is included in white over a blue background.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 15/09/2026
Fresh look, same great research! ✨ We’ve redesigned @npi.ucanr.edu’s communications to make our research even more accessible. Plus, our quarterly newsletter "Research to Action" is now “Evidence for Policy”! 📄✍️ Check out the new look in our next issue on Sept 17. Subscribe here: bit.ly/4d6bihN
A woman with blue fingernail polish types on a laptop. White text over a blue overlay reads: Fresh look, same great research! We’ve redesigned our digital communications to make our research even more accessible! The Nutrition Policy Institute logo is included.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 14/09/2026
New research shows that "healthy checkout" rules can work! 📉 A study led by @npi.ucanr.edu affiliated researcher Jennifer Falbe found that banning sugary foods from checkout lanes in Berkeley, CA, successfully reduced sales of soda and small-packaged candy. 🍬🥤 bit.ly/3UP4E9f
bit.ly
Healthy checkout rules reduce soda and small-pack candy sales, study finds
A landmark Lancet Public Health study links Berkeley's healthy checkout ordinance to lower soda and small-packaged candy sales, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 19/08/2026
A new @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu study published in @ashanews.bsky.social found that in-classroom and second chance breakfasts were associated with ⬆️ participation and ⬇️ barriers than traditional before-school breakfast. 🔗 bit.ly/4bOIn0Q
A young adult grabs breakfast from the school cafeteria. Text reads: new study reveals 67% of students reported access to only traditional before-school breakfast, but breakfast in the classroom and second chance breakfast is associated with greater school breakfast participation. The Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources logo is included.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 19/08/2026
Hannah Thompson @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu spoke with @fransmith.bsky.social @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social on gaps in physical education (PE) programs amidst the relaunching of the Presidential Fitness Test in schools across the nation this fall. bit.ly/4gp6l4t
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The Health Divide: We’re testing kids’ fitness after taking away chances to be active
With PE cuts and shrinking recess in many schools, why are we now testing kids on skills we never really taught them?
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Fran Smith @fransmith.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
The Presidential Fitness Test returns to school this year, even as school budget cuts and $$$$ youth sports make it harder for kids to be active. My latest for @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social. Thanks to Hannah Thompson @npi.ucanr.edu & Chad Killian. centerforhealthjournalism.org/our-work/ins...
centerforhealthjournalism.org
The Health Divide: We’re testing kids’ fitness after taking away chances to be active
With PE cuts and shrinking recess in many schools, why are we now testing kids on skills we never really taught them?
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 17/08/2026
Is the Child and Adult Care Food Program sustainable? A new @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu @heresearch.bsky.social study finds 96% of surveyed providers say reimbursements cover <50% of food costs, and 42% plan to leave the program. Learn more: bit.ly/4g4sVjT 📉🍎
“It’s just not worth it anymore.” A quote from a family child care home provider. 96% of surveyed family child care home providers said CACFP reimbursements were insufficient. A donut chart shows 96%. Two young children serve themselves food from colorful bowls set atop a low-table in a family child care home setting. The Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural resources logo is included.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 12/08/2026
Nearly 3 in 4 Indigenous migrant farmworkers in CA's Central Valley face food insecurity—despite growing the majority of the US's produce and nuts. 📉 New @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu research highlights the urgent need for better policy support for these essential workers. Learn more: bit.ly/4xHzq26 🍅🌶️
A female farmworker wearing a pink hoodie and a pink bandana over her mouth carries two buckets full of jalapeños while walking through a field of peppers. White and yellow text over a blue background reads: “New study suggests nearly 3 in 4 Indigenous migrant farmworkers in CA's Central Valley experience food insecurity—despite growing the majority of the US's produce & nuts.” The Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources logo is included.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 10/08/2026
We’re recruiting study participants! Do you have a toddler? Get free milk and up to $275 by participating in our @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu Milk Type in Toddlers study on childhood milk consumption. Complete this survey to see if you are eligible: studypages.com/s/milk-type-...
A young girl drinks milk from a glass with a pink straw. The Nutrition Policy Institute and Stanford Medicine logos are included. The text reads: "MILK-TOT Study is now enrolling! The University of California and Stanford Medicine are inviting toddlers ages 2-3 and their parents to join a research study on milk in young children. The purpose of this study is to see how the type of milk (whole fat vs. low fat 1%) consumed between the aged of 2-3 years old affects the health, growth, and development of young children. Study investigator: Lorrene Ritchie PhD, RD, Nutrition Policy Institute, Nutrition Specialist - Emeritus, UCANR Cooperative Extension. Call, Text, Scan: 415-509-3530." Lorrene Ritchie's photo is included. A QR code linking to the study webpage is also included.
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UC Agriculture & Natural Resources @ucanr.edu · 06/08/2026
"Everybody needs recess," Hannah Thompson @npi.ucanr.edu tells @carlywrites.bsky.social @axios.com. We're in an upswing when it comes to recess advocacy and legislation www.axios.com/2026/08/04/s...
axios.com
School recess is back in play
Half of U.S. states now legally require recess or other physical activity.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 03/08/2026
📢 New research published in the Preventing Chronic Disease journal identifies gaps in knowledge of ultraprocessed foods among school food service directors and explores challenges schools face when balancing nutrition, food access, safety, and student preferences. 🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/45HYNEE
Image on the left of staff members preparing school meals. Text on the right reads, “New study explores school food service directors’ perspectives on ultraprocessed foods in school meals. 1-in-3 had never heard of ultraprocessed foods.” Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources logo at the bottom.
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UC Agriculture & Natural Resources @ucanr.edu · 28/07/2026
Whole milk or 1% milk after age 2? UC @npi.ucanr.edu is recruiting toddlers (23–30 months) for a study to help answer that question. Eligible families receive free milk, support from a registered dietitian & can earn up to $275 in gift cards. ucanr.edu/blog/food-bl...
ucanr.edu
UC offers toddlers free milk to study health impacts of whole milk versus low-fat milk | Food Blog
Nutrition Policy Institute researchers are studying how the type of milk two-year-olds drink affects their health, growth and development.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 22/07/2026
🏫 💪 A new commentary highlights fitness testing as a valuable tool for monitoring youth health, supporting preventive care, and promoting lifelong healthy behaviors through collaboration between schools, families, and health care providers. 🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/44Fq1LJ
Image in the center of four adolescents performing a school-based physical fitness test indoors. Text on the top reads: “New commentary calls for strengthening school-based physical fitness testing to support youth health.” Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture & Natural Resources logo on the bottom.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 21/07/2026
New longitudinal study of low-income California families finds 6 safety net program participation patterns across SNAP, WIC, & Medicaid. Stable multi-program access was linked to better mental + physical health, while repeated loss + gain of access showed poor outcomes + inequities. bit.ly/4oUxgZu
Image on the left of a WIC shopper handing a WIC EBT card to a farmer at the Santee Certified Farmers Market. Photo credit: USDA. White text on a green background to the right reading, “New longitudinal study shows how multi-safety net program participation is linked to better health outcomes among low-income families.” Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources logo on the bottom right.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 16/07/2026
Congrats to our @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu School Meals for All evaluation team and their collaborators for their publication being voted as a Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior Best Article finalist! Learn more: ucanr.edu/blog/nutriti...
A screenshot of the title and author list of the peer-reviewed journal article, Impact of Deimplementing Universal Free School Meals: School Food Authority Perspectives, is shown with fireworks surrounding it. White text over a blue background reads: "Congratulations to our team and collaborators! Their publication was voted as a Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior Best Article finalist!" The Nutrition Policy Institute logo is included.
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ISBNPA @isbnpa.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
📢 New at #IJBNPA! Learn more about the #School Site Level Assessment Questionnaire #SLAQ 🔗 Read more: link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s… -- @npi.ucanr.edu
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 14/07/2026
New study shows social media campaigns promoting #UniversalSchoolMeals drive parent engagement and highlight money savings and convenience. However, parents commented that meal quality and short eating time limits school meal participation. Learn more: bit.ly/4errYRQ
2 Facebook messages shown to parents in the school meal promotion group for the study. Text on the right reads, “Evaluation of Universal School Meals social media campaigns reveals mixed parent responses.” Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources logo on the bottom.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 10/07/2026
Health departments and their community partners describe challenging times ahead for nutrition and physical activity efforts. New @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu briefs detail the impacts of the loss of SNAP-Ed on California’s health departments and their community partners. Read more: bit.ly/4w2Xf3Y
White text over a blue background reads: "Nutrition Policy Institute released three research briefs that capture how the elimination of SNAP-Ed funding as a result of H.R.1 is impacting local health departments and community organizations as well their vision for the future of nutrition and physical activity programming." Screenshots of the first page of three research briefs are shown. The Nutrition Policy Institute logo is included.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 08/07/2026
New @npi.ucanr.edu brief details how local health departments worked to build community organization capacity to continue nutrition & physical activity programming after #SNAP-Ed funding ended. Most health departments anticipate that less than half or no programming will continue. bit.ly/4vddxpr
Blue text over a yellow background reads: "New research brief examines how local health departments worked to sustain nutrition and physical activity programming following the elimination of SNAP-Ed funding." A screenshot of the first page of a Nutrition Policy Institute research brief and the Nutrition Policy Institute logo is included.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 07/07/2026
We are thrilled to have Davrina Rianda join @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu as a postdoctoral researcher and Assistant Project Scientist! She will support projects related to youth physical activity & fitness in schools and developing and validating diet-related trajectory classifications. bit.ly/4wAhkyp
A photo of Davrina Rianda with a yellow box overlaying with blue text that reads: “We are excited to welcome Davrina Rianda, PhD, MD, MNutr as our new post-doctoral researcher and Assistant Project Scientist!” The Nutrition Policy Institute logo is included in white over a blue background.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 06/07/2026
What home factors shape children’s diets? A study of 5,138 U.S. school-aged children finds that greater fruit and vegetable availability and lower sugar-sweetened beverage access were the strongest predictors of dietary intakes. 🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/4oiNDif
Image of a grandma, dad, and young child preparing a meal together in a home setting. Credit: USDA. Text on the right reading: “New study suggests that having fruits and vegetables and limiting sugar-sweetened beverages in children’s homes can lead to improved child diet quality!” Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources logo on the bottom left.
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UC Agriculture & Natural Resources @ucanr.edu · 01/07/2026
Fresh, California-grown produce is reaching all 30 adult facilities in the California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation through Harvest of the Month, a first-of-its-kind "farm to corrections" program initiated by UC ANR's @npi.ucanr.edu. www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhAb...
youtube.com
Harvest of the Month Benefits California Farmers and Incarcerated People
YouTube video by UC Agriculture and Natural Resources
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 01/07/2026
📢 New study examines infant intake of infant formulas with added corn syrup and later childhood diet quality in a #WIC cohort. Higher intake was linked to lower Healthy Eating Index dairy & protein scores in childhood, with no association with overall diet quality. Learn more: bit.ly/4xbpIFv
Image on the left of a young girl drinking milk out of a bottle while being held by her father. Photo by Sasha Kim. On the right text reading, “New study examines infant intake of infant formula with added corn syrup and later childhood diet quality.” Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources logo at the bottom right corner.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 30/06/2026
Congratulations to @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu researcher Ron Strochlic on his retirement! After a 14-year tenure with the University of California, Strochlic leaves a lasting impact in food systems research and healthier food access across California. Learn more: bit.ly/4geHRMP
Ron Strochlic holds a yellow pear in his hand while smiling. Blue text overlaying a yellow box reads: “Congratulations to Ron Strochlic on his retirement!”. The Nutrition Policy Institute logo is included.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 29/06/2026
‘Farm to corrections’ program benefits California growers, incarcerated people—every adult correctional facility in state receives produce through a collaborative program initiated by the Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu. Learn more: ucanr.edu/blog/food-bl...
ucanr.edu
‘Farm to corrections’ program benefits California growers, incarcerated people | Food Blog
Since 2023, Harvest of the Month has expanded to supply fresh fruit and vegetables to all 30 adult facilities under California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 24/06/2026
Can institutional markets scale for California growers? This article features California's Farm to Corrections project—a Harvest of the Month program for state prisons—which increases access to fresh fruits and vegetables for incarcerated individuals. jcsmarketinginc.com/enterprise-a...
jcsmarketinginc.com
Can Institutional Markets Scale for California Growers?
California's 'farm to corrections' program reaches 29 prisons under AB 778, opening a new institutional market for growers -- but can it scale? Enterprise Ag June 2026.
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Pam Kan-Rice @ucanrpam.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Impact Justice created programs like Harvest of the Month, a partnership with regional food hubs, @npi.ucanr.edu and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The program has delivered more than 600,000 pounds of fresh produce to about 90,000 incarcerated people since 2023
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Berkeleyside @berkeleyside.org · 11/06/2026
Impact Justice, a leading expert in prison food, is championing innovative improvements. Its work is captured in the 2026 James Beard Award-nominated book "Eating Behind Bars."
berkeleyside.org
How an Oakland organization became a national force for better prison meals
Impact Justice, a leading expert in prison food, is championing innovative improvements. Its work is captured in the 2026 James Beard Award-nominated book "Eating Behind Bars."
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 15/06/2026
Research benefits every Californian! From public health and biomedical research to agriculture, climate science, and emerging technologies, California's future depends on continued investment in discovery and innovation. Take action in support of #SB895: bit.ly/4evgY4N #UCAdvocate #CAleg
Blue text over a yellow background that reads: "Tell Gov. Newsom: Invest in California Science. Invest in UC. Yes on SB 895, research bond to protect critical funding for science." The UCAN Advocacy Network logo is included.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 01/06/2026
We’re recruiting study participants! Do you have a toddler? Get free milk and up to $275 by participating in our @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu Milk Type in Toddlers study on childhood milk consumption. Complete this survey to see if you are eligible: studypages.com/s/milk-type-...
A young girl drinks milk from a glass with a pink straw. The Nutrition Policy Institute and Stanford Medicine logos are included. The text reads: "MILK-TOT Study is now enrolling! The University of California and Stanford Medicine are inviting toddlers ages 2-3 and their parents to join a research study on milk in young children. The purpose of this study is to see how the type of milk (whole fat vs. low fat 1%) consumed between the aged of 2-3 years old affects the health, growth, and development of young children. Study investigator: Lorrene Ritchie PhD, RD, Nutrition Policy Institute, Nutrition Specialist - Emeritus, UCANR Cooperative Extension. Call, Text, Scan: 415-509-3530." Lorrene Ritchie's photo is included. A QR code linking to the study webpage is also included.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 27/05/2026
Need to evaluate efforts to improve K-12 school nutrition or physical activity practices? 🏫 🍇 🏃‍♂️ New @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu research brief highlights practical & valid self-assessment instrument that can detect changes in school environments over time. 🔗 Read more: bit.ly/4dAvN6S
Teenage student selects an apple juice from an open refrigerator unit containing white milk, juice, and green apples. Image also contains the text: “Designing a study that evaluates efforts to improve K12 school nutrition or physical activity practices? New research brief highlights a practical & valid self-assessment instrument that can detect changes in school environments over time."
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 26/05/2026
We're excited to share findings from the 2025 Multi-State WIC Participant Satisfaction Survey! 97% are satisfied with WIC customer service! 🍇 Fruits and vegetables are the top reason for participating in WIC! Learn more & register for an upcoming 6/4 webinar sharing survey results: bit.ly/4adpSCm
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 26/05/2026
New research brief finds California’s School Meals for All program provides meaningful financial relief for families across income levels. 79% of parents said the program saves their family money, and 55% said ending it would hurt household finances. Learn more: bit.ly/3PgBxcu
A donut chart showing 79% of surveyed parents said universal school meals save them money. A group of school children sit in a cafeteria eating their school lunch off reusable trays. The Nutrition Policy Institute logo is included.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 14/05/2026
Today’s the day! 📣 Join NPI in advancing health through cutting-edge research. Your gift to the Student Research Experience provides vital mentorship to future public health policy leaders. Invest in the future of public health today: 🔗 give.ucanr.edu/pages/nutrition-policy-institute #GivingDay
A college student sits outside, the wind blows in her hair. White text over a blue background reads: "Your donation to the NPI Student Research Experience supports the next generation of public health policy leaders." The UC ANR Giving Day and Nutrition Policy Institute logos are included in white over a blue background.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 13/05/2026
"I discovered my passion for health policy and ensuring equity is centered in decisions." — Maria, former NPI student. 🌟 Help us fund the next generation of public health leaders this #GivingDay, May 14–15! Read more & support: give.ucanr.edu/pages/nutrition-policy-institute
A quote from a former NPI Student Research Experience recipient sharing how the opportunity impacted her professional career in health policy. The UC ANR Giving Day and Nutrition Policy Institute logos are included in white over a blue background.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 12/05/2026
Exciting news! 🏛️ NPI Director Hannah Thompson is a 2026 UCDC Presidential Faculty Fellow. She’ll be in DC next week engaging policymakers on the need for daily PE & healthy school meals to improve child health. Her research bridges the gap between science & federal policy. Learn more: bit.ly/3Pb3QsR
Hannah Thompson’s headshot is displayed next to blue text in a yellow box that reads: “Congratulations to NPI director Hannah Thompson for being selected as a 2026 UCDC Presidential Faculty Fellow!” The Nutrition Policy Institute logo is included.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 12/05/2026
At NPI, we believe lived experience makes the best researchers. 🔬 Our Student Research Experience supports first-generation students and those underrepresented in research and dietetics. Donate on UC ANR #GivingDay, May 14–15 (noon to noon)! 🔗 give.ucanr.edu/pages/nutrition-policy-institute
A student sits outside looking at laptop she holds in her lap. White text over a blue background reads: "NPI’s Student Research Experience supports researchers who have lived experience with food insecurity or public health nutrition programs."  The UC ANR Giving Day and Nutrition Policy Institute logos are included in white over a blue background.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 11/05/2026
Are US schools ready for a national fitness test? 🏃‍♀️🏋️ New study says not yet: only 5 states require recommended PE minutes, 24 have no fitness testing mandates, and most lack reporting/oversight systems for the reinstated Presidential Fitness Test. 🔗Learn more: bit.ly/4noPemg
 Image of a young boy performing a fitness test with the instructor. Text on the right side reading: “New study finds gaps in state infrastructure for school fitness testing.” Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources logo on the bottom right.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 07/05/2026
Small changes in school meals can have big impacts on planetary health. A study in California elementary schools found that using reusable food serviceware reduced waste by 5 kilograms per day, compared to 1 kilogram per day in schools using disposables. bit.ly/4mLXpsJ
The text reads: “Transitioning to reusable serviceware in school meals reveals significant waste reduction!” The Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources logo is also included.
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UC Agriculture & Natural Resources @ucanr.edu · 05/05/2026
A study from the @npi.ucanr.edu finds the U.S. isn’t ready to bring back the Presidential Fitness Test in schools. Nearly half of the states lack fitness-testing requirements, raising concerns about students' experience. ucanr.edu/blog/healthy-communities-…
People are exercising on yoga mats outdoors, performing planks in a row. A couple of individuals appear to be instructing or observing. The setting is a paved area, possibly a sports court.A group of people are exercising outdoors on a marked asphalt surface, with houses and parked cars in the background under a cloudy sky. Some individuals have their arms raised in a stretching position.A group of people is seated on an outdoor basketball court, listening to a standing person in front of the blue and orange walls of Marylin Avenue Elementary School. There is a cart with equipment to the right of the standing speaker.A person lies on a blue exercise mat in a push-up position at an outdoor court. Another individual dressed in a blue jacket and a cap, holding a purple ruler above the person on the mat. There's a basketball hoop and residential buildings in the background.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 05/05/2026
On May 5, President Trump signed a memorandum restoring the Presidential Fitness Test Award to recognize student achievement of physical standards. But a recent @npi.ucanr.edu study suggests the U.S. is ‘not yet ready’ to implement school-based fitness testing. ucanr.edu/blog/healthy...
ucanr.edu
U.S. ‘not yet ready’ to implement school-based Presidential Youth Fitness Test, UC researcher says | Healthy Communities Blog
NPI director Hannah Thompson and colleagues found that nearly half of U.S. states currently have no requirements or recommendations for fitness testing in public schools.
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UC Agriculture & Natural Resources @ucanr.edu · 05/05/2026
Mary Blackburn, #UCANR nutrition advisor, shares her more than 60-year journey in public health, highlighting her lasting impact on the field, in a @KTVU feature. www.ktvu.com/video/fmc-e0...
ktvu.com
Voices for Change: Trailblazing dietitian reflects on 63 year career
From Season 7, Episode 3: Dr. Mary Blackburn shares the story of her more than six decades in public health, overcoming obstacles of racism and sexism to blaze a trial for future women in science.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 05/05/2026
What happens when Universal School Meals end? Students in Texas & Arizona said that free school meals for all after COVID-19 brought back hunger, stigma, skipped meals, and financial stress—disrupting learning and increasing inequities. Students strongly support free school meals! bit.ly/4w1grPM
Quote from Texas student interviewed stating, “Now [that school meals are no longer free for all], some people just stay hungry for the rest of the day. They can't concentrate in class because they’re hungry.” At the bottom is the Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources logo.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 30/04/2026
A research-based best practice for gaining community partner buy-in for health promotion initiatives is to communicate “wins” with partners to help them see the community impact. Learn more about Data Storytelling Toolkits from @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu! 🔗 ucanr.edu/blog/uc-deli...
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UC Agriculture & Natural Resources @ucanr.edu · 30/04/2026
Why grow your own garden? “Almost as important as saving money on your food is what you grow is likely to be healthier,” said Maggie Mah, a UC Master Gardener who specializes in helping people grow their own food here in the Bay Area. @kqednews.kqed.org www.kqed.org/news/1207985...
kqed.org
Want to Save on Groceries? You Can Grow Your Own Garden | KQED
Starting your own garden doesn’t have to cost much. Find out what you need to grow grocery staples.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 22/04/2026
Can structured recess help kids show up to school more consistently? A new study of California elementary schools found @playworks.bsky.social was linked to reduced chronic absenteeism, especially in schools with trained adults leading recess activities and among Hispanic students. bit.ly/3Otemv5
Text stating: “New study examines the role of structured play in reducing chronic absenteeism in California elementary schools.” Image below of students doing a fitness test outdoors. Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources logo below.
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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 16/04/2026
📊 National food security data is on the line. @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu submitted comments stressing the need to continue the Census household food security survey—critical for tracking hunger & informing policy. Losing it risks major data gaps. Learn more: bit.ly/4sDfPwM
A father holds his young daughter in his arms while shopping for orange  bell peppers at the farmers market. The white text over a blue background reads: “NPI comments on the critical importance of USDA’s national food security data.” The Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources logo is included.
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