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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 1d

A @newyorker.com piece spotlights school meals in the MAHA era. @ucdavisnutrition.bsky.social's Lauren Au, PhD, RD—an @ucanr.edu @npi.ucanr.edu affiliated researcher—discusses NPI’s 2018 study showing how the 2010 Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act improved kids’ diets. www.newyorker.com/news/the-led...

What Happens to School Lunches in the MAHA Era?

R.F.K., Jr., promised healthier food for kids, but the Trump Administration is cutting programs that achieve this goal.

www.newyorker.com

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 7d

📢 New study finds children’s diet quality is linked to longer WIC participation. Expanding safety-net programs like WIC can help improve health and nutrition among low-income families. Learn more: bit.ly/4n0vswl

Screenshot of abstract and author information on CDN journal website.

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 8d

🎉 Something new is on the horizon! Our new logo is coming soon and will help reflect @npi.ucanr.edu's long-standing mission of conducting research for healthy food, people, and places! 🍎🥕

Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 9d

“For years, NPI has built this unbelievably successful track record of producing evidence that directly informs some of the largest programs we have in the U.S., and that has had tremendous national public health impact.” - Hannah Thompson, @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu. Morning AgClips: bit.ly/4pHpp1r

New Nutrition Policy Institute Director to Emphasize Community Participation in Research

Epidemiologist Hannah Thompson, “Recess For All” expert, studies physical activity and health for youth in California.

bit.ly

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 13d

🎉 We are excited to welcome Hannah R. Thompson as our new director at the @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu ! She has served as NPI’s senior epidemiologist since 2020, and she is a leading researcher in physical education, recess and nutritious school meals! Learn more about Hannah: bit.ly/48zUqhH

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 15d

Going to #TerraMadreAmericas in Sacramento this weekend? Stop by the UCANR exhibitor booth on Friday 9/26 and Saturday 9/27 to chat with @npi.ucanr.edu researchers about our food systems research! We'll be giving away free NPI swag!

UC Agriculture & Natural Resources @ucanr.edu · 16d

We’re bringing #ATasteofCalifornia to #TerraMadreAmericas in Sacramento! 🌍🍓
Sept 26–28 at SAFE Credit Union CC — enjoy free samples, cooking demos, local vendors, & more.
👉 terramadreusa.com

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 16d

Parents and staff in California elementary schools 🏫 positively perceive freshly prepared school lunches 🥗🍎, but note concerns about food waste ♻️ and vegetarian options. Student input, education 📚, and better kitchen resources could support success. Learn more: bit.ly/4nnQXXP

Image on left of young boy getting food from school cafeteria. On the right is a quote from a school staff member interviewee stating, “I think [freshly prepared meals are] a good way for the kids to see how you should be eating more fresh food, more homemade food, more fruits and vegetables in their meal. I think it’s helped them grow up with that sense of knowledge that they could be eating this stuff.”

Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 26d

@npi.ucanr.edu nr.edu Director, Hannah Thompson, featured in an ABC 10 article discussing a CA bill that would require chain restaurants to offer at least one healthy kids’ meal, helping busy families make nutritious choices on the go. 🍎🥦 Read more: bit.ly/3Ii0j8B

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Reposted by Nutrition Policy Institute

Rita Hamad @ritahamad.bsky.social · 26d

Thrilled to co-author 2 recent qualitative papers that perfectly demonstrate the importance of mixed methods research to inform US policy. In the first aptly titled "It's confusing as hell" we examined lived experiences of low-income people applying for the EITC. academic.oup.com/healthaffair... 1/

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 27d

📚 SNAP-Ed lessons + 🏫 schoolwide changes = 🍎 healthier students. New @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu research in Journal of Community Health shows combined approaches improve diets more than education alone. Read more: bit.ly/47zp9ep #SNAPEd

A group of 4th and 5th grade students smiling. Text overlay reads: New NPI research shows that combining SNAP-Ed lessons with school environment changes improves student diets more than education alone.

Abstract for “Dietary Effects of School-Based SNAP-Ed Education with and without Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change Strategies” in the Journal of Community Health.

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 28d

New @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu WIC study reveals social support can facilitate program participation, while shopping barriers may discourage utilization. Learn more: ucanr.edu/blog/nutriti...

Abstract for “WIC Participant Perspectives: Facilitated by Social Support, Challenged by Shopping Barriers”

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Pam Kan-Rice @ucanrpam.bsky.social · Sep 8

Teachers in @npi.ucanr.edu study report that free school meals for all students helps to improve academics (84% of teachers surveyed), attentiveness (80%) and behavior (69%), and improves students’ feelings of inclusiveness and social-emotional well-being publications.csba.org/issue/summer...

California’s School Meals for All Program: Evaluation reveals a host of benefits

From March 2020 through the 2021–22 school year, Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture enabled schools to provide free meals daily to all students to help relieve hunger during the COVID-19 ...

publications.csba.org

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · 29d

The summer issue of California Schools by the California School Boards Association features a guest article by @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu on our California School Meals for All research—highlighting many benefits and opportunities for improvement! 🏫 🥗 🍇 Check it out: bit.ly/4gf8fUt

California’s School Meals for All Program: Evaluation reveals a host of benefits

From March 2020 through the 2021–22 school year, Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture enabled schools to provide free meals daily to all students to help relieve hunger during the COVID-19 ...

bit.ly

Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · Sep 8

New study in @jama.com finds Universal Free School Meal policies boost school meal program participation, reduce stigma, and expand access to healthy meals. Results suggest free school meals can help address food insecurity & diet-related disparities. 🥪🍎🏫 Learn more: bit.ly/47gDFYr

Young girl drinking milk during school lunch.

Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · Sep 8

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 Director, University of California ANR." Lorrene Ritchie's photo is included.

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · Sep 3

Congrats to the 2025 LEAP Awardees!🏅🎉 123 schools, 85 out-of-school time programs, and 106 early childhood programs earned recognition for championing best practices in healthy eating & active living in partnership with CalFresh Healthy Living, CA’s SNAP-Ed program. Learn more: bit.ly/3JReDoQ

Graphic congratulating the 2025 LEAP Awardees. Text reads: 'Congratulations to the 2025 LEAP Awardees! Through SNAP-Ed, schools, childcare, and out-of-school-time programs across California are making it easier for children to eat well and stay active. LEAP Awards honor these efforts to support lifelong health.' Below the text, a group of smiling children sit and pose together in gym clothes, with one girl flexing her arms playfully.

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · Aug 27

New fact sheet available for clinicians: adequate physical activity during the perinatal period can improve maternal health and fetal development including metabolic outcomes. Learn more: ucanr.edu/blog/nutriti...

Abstract for “Physical Activity During the Perinatal Period: A Fact Sheet for Clinicians” in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine.

Figure 1. Recommendations for physical activity during the perinatal period (one year before conception to one year after the birth of a child) in “Physical Activity During the Perinatal Period: A Fact Sheet for Clinicians” in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine.

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Berkeley Food Institute @ucberkeleyfood.bsky.social · Aug 26

New research from BFI affiliate faculty member, Lorrene Ritchie, finds that in states that continued universal free school meals programs (CA, MA & others) overall student nutrition improved and families avoided school meal related debt. Learn more: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · Aug 25

New‪ ajpmonline.bsky.social study finds most US schools 🏫 PE & recess laws lack accountability & funding, likely limiting their impact. Stronger laws could ensure equitable access to quality physical activity 🏃‍♀️ for all students. Learn more: bit.ly/3HEQyks

Image of young boy sitting in a wheelbarrow cart during school recess.

Reposted by Nutrition Policy Institute

UC Agriculture & Natural Resources @ucanr.edu · Aug 18

The Presidential Fitness Test may return to schools — but the goal is bigger. If fitness testing is part of a program that fosters a love of activity, it could significantly improve student health, says Hannah Thompson @npi.ucanr.edu on @kqedforum.bsky.social 🎧 bit.ly/3HCh129

Love It or Hate It, the Presidential Fitness Test Is Making a Comeback | KQED

We look at what California is currently doing to encourage youth fitness and what we've learned from more than 50 years of health data collected by school fitness tests.

bit.ly

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · Aug 18

US schools cut PE — and it’s hurting kids’ health. @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu ‪@berkeleypublichlth.bsky.social‬ researcher Hannah Thompson tells @kqedforum.bsky.social why fitness tests alone won’t fix it, and why funding PE teachers is key. 🎧 Listen here: bit.ly/45T2k3Y

Love It or Hate It, the Presidential Fitness Test Is Making a Comeback | KQED

We look at what California is currently doing to encourage youth fitness and what we've learned from more than 50 years of health data collected by school fitness tests.

bit.ly

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · Aug 14

Healthy Checkout Policy in Berkeley Cuts Added Sugar by 70%!
New @ucdavis.bsky.social study by @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu affiliated researcher finds less sugar, sodium, saturated fat and calories at grocery checkouts with healthy checkout policy. Read the full study online: doi.org/10.2105/AJPH...

A bowl of oranges available for purchase at the checkout counter of a drug store, made possible by a healthy checkout policy in Berkeley, California.

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · Aug 11

The ACCESS study reveals an increase in Child Tax Credit take-up with program expansion during COVID-19. Learn more: bit.ly/3HhcBO5

Abstract for the ACCESS Study publication: Take-up of the 2021 child tax credit expansion among disadvantaged households in California: Continuing barriers to health equity.

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · Aug 7

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-...

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Nutrition Policy Institute @npi.ucanr.edu · Aug 4

Welcome to the @uofcalifornia.bsky.social, James B. Milliken! We are excited to have you as our new president. Fiat lux!

University of California @uofcalifornia.bsky.social · Aug 4

Join us in welcoming UC's 22nd president, James B. Milliken! He brings decades of experience and a deep commitment to expanding access, increasing social mobility, and helping students from all backgrounds earn a college degree. Learn more at ucop.edu/president

youtu.be/H4-tDlKmHI8?...

Introducing UC President James B. Milliken

YouTube video by University of California

youtu.be

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