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Nutrition Policy Institute
@npi.ucanr.edu
130 followers 200 following 110 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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npi.ucanr.edu
New! CalFresh Healthy Living data briefs highlight how local health departments supported healthier CA communities in FFY 2025. 🏘️🥗✨ Read the full compilation: bit.ly/2025CDPH-CFH...
Text reads “See what local health departments achieved: 2025 CalFresh Healthy Living Data Briefs.” Two participant quotes are highlighted. “Now I make infused waters for my family and me. I feel so much better, and my blood sugar levels are finally under control,” (Adult nutrition class participant). “We love these lessons. Can you please come every week?” (Child nutrition class participant). A screenshot of the first page of a data brief is also included.
January 21, 2026 at 7:58 PM
npi.ucanr.edu
🥗 🏫 Can universal school meals reduce stigma? New @npi.ucanr.edu study finds 1-in-9 students feel embarrassed eating school lunch. Universal meals were associated with reduced embarrassment for students from lower-income households but higher embarrassment for students from higher-income households.
Two female teenagers sit at a table in a school cafeteria eating lunch. The white text in a blue box reads: “Universal School Meals may reduce stigma—but not for all students. A new study in the Journal of School Health of 1,066 students in 8 U.S. states—4 with Universal Meal policies and 4 without—found: ~1 in 9 students felt embarrassed to eat school lunch; students reporting embarrassment participated in school meals 11% less often—especially those eligible for free/reduced-price meals, who participated 20% less often; students from lower-income households in states with Universal Meal policies reported less embarrassment than those in states without such policies; and students from higher-income households in states with Universal Meal policies reported more embarrassment, showing stigma is more complex than access alone.” The Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources logo is included.
January 21, 2026 at 5:02 PM
npi.ucanr.edu
🥛 Does low-fat or fat-free milk matter for toddlers? A new study of 2,300+ WIC toddlers found lower saturated fat intake—but no difference in weight—among kids following previous milk fat recommendations from age 2 to 3. More research on long-term health impacts is needed.
A toddler drinks milk out of a glass through a straw. The text reads: “Glass of milk emoji. Should toddlers switch to low-fat or fat-free milk at age two years? A new study of 2,300+ toddlers followed through age three found lower saturated fat intake—but no difference in weight outcomes—among kids following 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans milk fat recommendations. More research on long-term health impacts is needed.” The Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources logo is included.
January 14, 2026 at 6:45 PM
npi.ucanr.edu
💧📉 Promoting water works! A study of 1,250 students found that increasing access to and promoting drinking water in schools reduced sugar-sweetened beverage intake and helped prevent overweight—especially for kids who drank more sugary beverages and those from Spanish-speaking households.
A school-aged girl wearing a backpack drinks water from a reusable bottle. The text reads: “Randomized control trial study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine shows drinking water promotion can prevent overweight and reduce sugar-sweetened beverage intake in schoolchildren.” The Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources logo is included.
January 13, 2026 at 4:35 PM
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🚨 The new 2025–30 Dietary Guidelines for Americans were released yesterday — and they deviate deviate from prior Guidelines in both process and content. Read @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu's initial response in a statement linked in the first comment. #DietaryGuidelinesFor#Americans
An inverted pyramid displaying protein, dairy, and healthy fats, vegetables and fruits, and whole grains. Above the pyramid the text reads: “The New Pyramid.” White text overlaying a blue box next to the pyramid reads: “Nutrition Policy Institute’s Initial Response to the New 2025-30 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. On January 7, 2026, the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture released the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs). The newly released Guidelines deviate from prior DGAs in both process and content.” The Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources logo is included.
January 9, 2026 at 1:56 AM
npi.ucanr.edu
🍎🌍 New Journal of Nutrition review shows child & adolescent health is shaped by a full nutrition ecology—from climate & food systems to schools, communities & families. The BOND-KIDS Project highlights major research gaps & calls for systems-level solutions.
A young girl picks out items from a grocery store shelf while shopping with her mother. The text reads: “Nutrition is more than what’s on the plate. A new review in The Journal of Nutrition reveals how child and adolescent health, learning, and development are shaped by a complex nutrition ecology—from climate, geopolitical, and food systems to community food options, health, social, and food services and school policies and programs.” The Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources logo is included.
January 8, 2026 at 1:25 AM
npi.ucanr.edu
🥣📈 Longer #WIC participation = healthier diets! A new policy brief finds kids ages 2–5 who stay on WIC longer have higher diet quality and eat more nutrient-dense, WIC-approved foods. Supporting continued enrollment could help reduce nutrition disparities.
A young girl places a watermelon in a small orange shopping cart while shopping for produce at the grocery store. The text reads: “New policy brief! WIC serves more than 6.7 million low-income people in the U.S. each year. Longer participation in WIC contributes to higher diet quality among infants and young children. By aligning WIC food packages with the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans, policymakers can maximize the availability of healthy foods for disadvantaged children.” The Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California logo is included.
January 7, 2026 at 7:09 PM
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🚨 Food insecurity is rising—and the Trump administration is ending the data that tracks it. USDA’s final Household Food Security Report shows 13.7% of U.S. households—and 6.7M with kids—were food insecure in 2024. Researchers warn ending this “gold standard” report will make hunger harder to track.
A line chart showing trends in the prevalence of food insecurity in U.S. households with children, 2001-24. The trends food insecurity in households with children has increased since 2020 to the over 18.4% of households in 2024.
January 5, 2026 at 7:54 PM
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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 the survey linked in the first comment to see if you are eligible!
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.
January 2, 2026 at 10:01 PM
npi.ucanr.edu
New @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu pilot study suggests weekly texts to #SNAP #CalFresh shoppers may boost awareness of farmers’ markets.🥕 Participants liked the texts & visited markets more, though barriers still limited #GusNIP #CNIP #MarketMatch use. Insights can guide future research. bit.ly/48XtFlN
The cover of a Nutrition Policy Institute report: “California Nutrition Incentive Program Text Message (SMS) Pilot Shopper Evaluation.” Blue text reads: “Pilot study suggests text messages to SNAP shoppers may improve awareness of farmers’ markets.” The Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources logo is included. A woman pays for produce at a farmers market. Blue box with white quotation text that reads: “ “I did know about [the farmers’ markets] before, but they didn’t really catch my attention… back then going to a farmers’ market seemed very expensive to me… But when I started seeing the [text] messages… then I went, bought fruits and vegetables, then I kind of liked it.” - SNAP shopper” The Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources logo is included.
December 17, 2025 at 4:20 PM
npi.ucanr.edu
New @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu study finds messages about convenience, cost savings, and social & developmental benefits are most motivating to parents to encourage their kids to eat free school meals. Clear, evidence-based messages could boost participation in universal meal programs! bit.ly/47J7kYA
Screenshot of abstract, title, and author information of publication on Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website. Image of Figure 2 in the study showcasing 7 different messages sent to participating English-speaking parents to encourage children's participation in universal free school meals.
December 16, 2025 at 9:19 PM
npi.ucanr.edu
📢 New policy brief shows how safety net programs, especially #WIC, are key to healthier diets and weight outcomes for disadvantaged children. Longer WIC participation predicts higher diet quality, offering insights to strengthen nutrition support & reduce health disparities. bit.ly/4nWiqja
Graphic reading, "NEW POLICY BRIEF! Safety Net Programs Associated With Improved Diet and Weight Among Disadvantaged Children Key Facts: - Federal assistance programs like WIC and SNAP are designed to alleviate the impact of socioeconomic disparities in nutrition during childhood, which can contribute to poor diet quality and weight status. - The strongest predictors of diet quality were program duration (especially WIC) and race and ethnicity. - Encouraging longer participation in federal nutrition assistance programs, especially for Black and English-speaking Hispanic households, will likely help to improve diet quality and weight status among children with lower socioeconomic status. NPI logo at the bottom right corner. Quote from a focus group participant discussing their experience with WIC stating, “Having that educational piece alongside with the appointments has been helpful for our family, because it kind of helps me to know like what other foods I can introduce to my baby, and also to my toddler.” Nutrition Policy logo in the bottom right corner.
December 11, 2025 at 4:42 PM
npi.ucanr.edu
📢 New study with @stanfordmedicine.bsky.social dmedicine.bsky.social used a 5-step process engaging pediatricians 🩺 to submit an FDA public comment on added sugars—combining evidence & patient stories to shape child health policy. This process can guide future clinician-led advocacy. bit.ly/49ELd8h
Screenshot of study title, authors, and introduction on The Journal of Pediatrics website Outline of study’s 5-step process.
December 3, 2025 at 7:15 PM
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💙 THANK YOU! Our #GivingTuesday campaign is wrapping up and we’re so grateful for your support. You’re helping @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu train future nutrition policy leaders and build healthier communities. 🙏 Give: give.ucanr.edu/forms/NPI
A hispanic female college students sits outside, smiling, with the wind blowing in her hair. The Nutrition Policy Institute logo and a QR code directing people to the NPI donation page is included. The text reads: "Giving Tuesday. Thank you! Together We Give. THANK YOU for donating to the NPI Student Research Experience. December 2, 2025 - Midnight to Midnight."
December 3, 2025 at 3:19 PM
npi.ucanr.edu
Today is the day! Join @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu for #GivingTuesday to support the NPI Student Research Experience. Your gift helps train future nutrition policy leaders and uplifts first-generation & students underrepresented in public health research & dietetics. 🔗 Donate: give.ucanr.edu/forms/NPI
Two female college students sit at a desk and look at their laptops while one student is speaking to the other. The Nutrition Policy Institute logo and a QR code directing people to the NPI donation page is included. The text reads: "Giving Tuesday. Together We Give. Donate to the NPI Student Research Experience. December 2, 2025 - Midnight to Midnight."
December 2, 2025 at 4:53 PM
npi.ucanr.edu
New @npi.ucanr.edu study finds #CACFP providers valued COVID-era tier elimination & higher reimbursements that improved food budgets and quality. Still, barriers persist—participants call for higher reimbursements & less admin burden to support healthy nutrition for children. 🔗 bit.ly/4rvqDxD
White text over a blue background that reads: “Child and Adult Care Food Program participants recommend higher reimbursements and elimination of tiers to support early childhood nutrition—learn more in our latest study!” The abstract of the Public Health Nutrition journal article, “Provider, sponsor and family perceptions of Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) participation and COVID-19 reimbursement increases,” and the Nutrition Policy Institute logo are included. White text in quotations over a blue background that reads: “ “The funding is a big challenge… I’m charging everybody [families] the same, but it’s very difficult to feed a child a healthy fresh fruit, whole grain for 25 cents per child. You just can’t do it… A lot of people are choosing to quit the program because they say it’s not worth it.” - Family Child Care Home Provider in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Citation: Bacon, 2025, Public Health Nutrition. The Nutrition Policy Institute logo is included.
December 1, 2025 at 6:48 PM
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Join us tomorrow on #GivingTuesday support the @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu in making a difference! Donate to the NPI Student Research Experience, which offers valuable professional experience for undergraduate or graduate students through mentorship by NPI researchers.
🔗 give.ucanr.edu/forms/NPI
December 1, 2025 at 4:33 PM
npi.ucanr.edu
New @npi.ucanr.edu study highlights why 20% of eligible families miss out on the Earned Income Tax Credit benefit. Eligible recipients reveal learning, compliance & psychological barriers. Improving awareness, simplifying tax filing could expand EITC access to support public health. 🔗 bit.ly/4pvvI7x
Abstract for the Healthy Affairs Scholar article, ““It's confusing as hell”: a qualitative study of barriers accessing poverty alleviation benefits through the US Earned Income Tax Credit.” White quotation text in a green box that reads: “ ”I do know people that don’t do their taxes, just because it’s too overwhelming for them to um to do it so, filing taxes is probably the biggest hurdle for people.” - Earned Income Tax Credit recipient. Gosliner, 2025, Health Affairs Scholar. The Nutrition Policy Institute logo is included at the bottom.
November 26, 2025 at 5:00 PM
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📣 Data gaps don’t have to stall your needs assessments! @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu's new Journal of Extension article shows how to use Fermi estimates, a practical and under-utilized method to produce reasonable insights when information is limited. 💡📊 Read more: bit.ly/4ihiPM4
Image of a group of grocery store aisle. Text overlay reads: New NPI publication offers step-by-step guidance to overcome data gaps in needs assessments by using Fermi estimates.
November 25, 2025 at 4:14 PM
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This #GivingTuesday —December 2—join @npi.ucanr.edu to support the NPI Student Research Experience, providing valuable professional experience for first-generation students and those with lived experience with food insecurity and underrepresented in research & dietetics!
🔗 give.ucanr.edu/forms/NPI
A female African American college student sits outside with her laptop and looks down at a piece of paper. The Nutrition Policy Institute logo and a QR code directing people to the NPI donation page is included. The text reads: "Giving Tuesday. Together We Give. Donate to the NPI Student Research Experience. December 2, 2025 - Midnight to Midnight."
November 24, 2025 at 7:26 PM
npi.ucanr.edu
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.
November 20, 2025 at 11:22 PM
npi.ucanr.edu
📢 New study finds deimplementation of universal free school meals is associated with declines in meal participation, reduced foodservice revenues, and increased meal debt and stigma. Universal school meal policies expand student access to healthy meals, supporting better nutrition.
bit.ly/4gd4IWJ
Screenshot of the published article’s abstract.
November 17, 2025 at 6:49 PM
npi.ucanr.edu
Job opportunity at the @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr! We are seeking a post-doctoral researcher (Assistant Project Scientist) to support youth cardiometabolic health, school recess & PE, school meals, and policy implementation science. Apply by 2/2/26: recruit.ucanr.edu/JPF00340 #Hiring #NutritionResearch
Kids jumping rope in a school gym. The text reads: Job Opportunity. Assistant Project Scientist. Apply online by Jan. 2, 2026 to assure full consideration:https://recruit.ucanr.edu/JPF00340. The Nutrition Policy Institute logo is included.
November 4, 2025 at 6:49 PM
npi.ucanr.edu
Exciting news! @npi.ucanr.edu researchers will present their latest nutrition & physical activity policy studies at the 2025 @apha.org in Washington, D.C., Nov 2–5. This year’s theme is “Making the Public’s Health a National Priority.” #APHA2025 Learn more: bit.ly/48Uyyhf
APHA 2025 Annual Meeting & Expo banner with statement on the right reading, “Making the Public’s Health a National Priority,” and the date and location, “November 2-5, 2025, Washington, D.C.”
October 30, 2025 at 3:32 PM
npi.ucanr.edu
📢 New research brief finds 1-in-5 California schools serve scratch-cooked meals daily. Most schools are challenged with inadequate funding, staffing, and kitchen infrastructure, limiting their provision of minimally processed meals. Learn more: bit.ly/4nC7VCh
Screenshot of research brief summary page.
October 29, 2025 at 9:27 PM