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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 30/09/2026

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

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 30/09/2026

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

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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

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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

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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

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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 📉🍎

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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 🍅🌶️

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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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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

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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

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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

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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...

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 01/06/2026

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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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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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

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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

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 13/04/2026

A new study explores the reliability & validity of the Site-Level Assessment Questionnaire–SLAQ–used to assess nutrition and physical activity practices in childcare settings. SLAQ results can help childcare programs create health-promoting environments. bit.ly/4dvCt6B

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 24/03/2026

A new paper offers a roadmap for turning climate–food–health science into action. From CA school food policy to global guidance via the United Nations Committee on World Food Security, it outlines core principles to bridge research & policy.

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 18/03/2026

Student fitness is improving - but not equally. A longitudinal study following 2.3 million students revealed increases in the proportion of students reaching Healthy Fitness Zones. Despite these gains, data reveal widening gaps in reaching fitness requirements tied to race and socioeconomic status.

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 11/03/2026

🥕📊 New @npi.ucanr.edu research brief shows that the California Nutrition Incentive Program helps #SNAP shoppers buy a greater amount and variety of produce, which is well utilized and not wasted. Participants valued improved access to fresh, healthy foods and shared waste reduction strategies♻️.

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 09/03/2026

📢 New study finds positive perceptions of school lunches are linked to higher participation 🍎🍽️🥪! Ongoing efforts and additional investments to improve meal quality, variety, healthfulness, and familiarity are critical to increase participation and promote students’ health and development.

Four students sitting at a school cafeteria eating lunch. Credit: USDA.

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 05/03/2026

Only 46% of California family child care homes participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, despite the program's reimbursements for healthy food. A new map highlights “hot spots” where food insecurity is high and participation is low—showing clear opportunities to better support families.

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 02/03/2026

🔐 Cultural connection can unlock healthy habits. A new study revealed that a culturally-grounded program increased daily water intake among Navajo children from 17 to 22 ounces per day, underscoring the program’s potential to establish healthy hydration practices among younger generations.

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 25/02/2026

During COVID-19, eliminating tiered Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) reimbursements stabilized tier 1 & increased tier 2 childcare providers’ participation 📈. When tiers returned, participation fell 📉. Reforming CACFP reimbursements could support provider retention & child nutrition! 🍎

Screenshot of a study’s abstract on the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior website. The title of the study is, “Trends in California Child and Adult Care Food Program Participation Among Family Child Care Home Providers: The Role of Tiered Meal Reimbursements.”

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 23/02/2026

✍️ Mark your calendars! On March 10th, @npi.ucanr.edu, director Hannah Thompson will present with @johnshopkinssph.bsky.social American Health Initiative colleagues Erin Hager and Rachel Deitch, to discuss a toolkit designed to support the establishment of state-level recess laws!

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 17/02/2026

📚 @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu research on California’s Universal School Meals policy is gaining recognition in the journal, Nutrients! One study was featured in Hot Topics on nutritional inequality & policy research, and another is a Best Paper Award candidate!

A blue box with white text, the title reads, "Two studies on School Meals for All are gaining recognition in the journal Nutrients." There is a white arrow pointing to a screenshot of the title of a Nurients publicaiton, "The Benefits and Challenges of Providing School Meals during the First Year of California’s Universal School Meal Policy as Reported by School Foodservice Professionals," with text next to it that reads "This highly-cited study was featured in Nutrient's Hot Topics on Nutritional Inequality & Policy Research!. There is a second white arrow pointing at a screenshot of the title of a second Nutrients publications, "Household Food Insecurity Is Associated with Parental Perceptions of and Student Participation in School Meals," with text next to it that reads, "This study is a Nutrients Best Paper Award candidate!"

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 11/02/2026

🔗 Read the full research brief here: www.childnourishlab.org/_files/ugd/3... #SchoolNutrition #HealthyEating #FoodWaste

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 09/02/2026

Seven @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu studies are featured in the 2024–2025 #NOPREN Special Collection! 🎉 Topics span CACFP, WIC, school meals for all, healthy beverages & water access—showing how research is shaping nutrition policy at every level!

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 05/02/2026

🔗 Read the full study online at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report here: bit.ly/4a21kgg #WomensHealth #PublicHealth

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 02/02/2026

We’re recruiting study participants! Do you have a toddler? Get free milk and up to $275 by participating in our @npi.ucanr.edu u @ucanr.edu Milk Type in Toddlers study on childhood milk consumption!

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 30/01/2026

📢 New study using nationally representative U.S. data from 2021–23 finds LGB+ adults have a higher prevalence and nearly twice the odds of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as heterosexual adults, even after accounting for depression and social factors. Results highlight the need for equitable care.

Screenshot of title, authors, and study highlights from the Journal of Psychiatric Research website.

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 29/01/2026

When November 2025 CalFresh benefits were delayed during the government shutdown—the first disruption of its kind in SNAP history—charitable food sites saw bigger crowds, long lines, and stressed families, and adapted. The crisis underscored the essential nature of stable federal nutrition benefits.

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