@npi.ucanr.edu researchers are in Monterey Oct 20-22 for the 34th Annual CACFP Conference! 🌊 Lorrene Ritchie moderates the keynote, Ritchie & Christina Hecht will discuss ultra-processed foods, Hecht will talk about lead testing, and meet our director Hannah Thompson at our booth! bit.ly/473yN75

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-...

📢 New @npi.ucanr.edu @berkeleypublichlth.bsky.social @hsph.harvard.edu study finds that consistent, accessible safety net benefits during COVID-19 reduced family stress & food insecurity. Researchers urge policymakers to prioritize reliable supports to support health and well-being. bit.ly/3KB125D

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...

📢 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

🎉 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! 🍎🥕

“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

🎉 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

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!

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

@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

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/

📚 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

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...

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...

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

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

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-...

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

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...

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...

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

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

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

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...

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

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-...

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

New study in an @nutritionorg.bsky.social journal reveals @wicyougotthis.bsky.social participation during pregnancy may be associated with a decreased risk for low gestational weight gain. Learn more: bit.ly/451l7ty

New research explores 🍎 nutrition & 🤸physical activity practices at SNAP-Ed-partnered childcare sites, including differences between family childcares and centers. Findings can inform improvement to public health practice and environments for young children. 🔍 Learn more: bit.ly/4lUBI8z #SNAPEd

USDA’s proposed National SNAP Info Database could deter families with low-income from seeking food assistance. @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu raised concerns about data privacy, unclear requirements & impact on hunger, health & academic outcomes. 🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/3IRcpWf #SNAP #FoodSecurity

University of California @npi.ucanr.edu experts support the FDA's proposed front-of-package labels, and recommend a clear “high in” label system, distinct icons, inclusion of infant/toddler foods, disclosure of non-sugar sweeteners, and a public education campaign. 🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/3Ux7ex0

🏫 🥪 School meals were free to all U.S. public school students during COVID-19, but why did some students not eat them? Recent study suggests it may be due to student’s preference for meals from home or elsewhere and negative perceptions of the taste of school food. 🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/44MTBjx

New @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu study finds statewide School Meals for All policies are associated with lower household food insecurity, particularly for families with low income. Food insecurity was 12% lower in states with universal meal policies compared to those without! Learn more: bit.ly/4f1YOay

New @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu study suggests that reusable serviceware for student meals in school cafeterias are widely accepted by parents and school staff - less waste, better food presentation and temperature, and no harmful chemical exposure from disposable trays! Learn more: bit.ly/3IvVuZ5

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-...

New @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.edu study finds caregivers of school-aged children perceive socialization during school meals is important and encourages students to eat healthy school meals and try new foods. 🥪 🏫 🍎 Learn more: bit.ly/4kOr2XP

A recent #WIC study shows lasting benefits! WIC participation is associated with lower rates of food insecurity + healthier diets in children up to age 9. Ongoing support is key to improve diet quality and fight chronic disease in low-income families. Learn more: www.fns.usda.gov/research/wic...

We are seeking a University of California graduate student Sustainable Agriculture and Food Fellow to join our Farm to Corrections team to improve food and nutrition security among currently and formerly incarcerated individuals in California. Applications due 7/31. Learn more! bit.ly/3G3O4eU

🚨 The budget reconciliation bill approved by the Senate and moving to the House proposes eliminating CalFresh Healthy Living—SNAP-Ed nationally. This critical program: 🥕 Improves child vegetable intake 🧃 Decreases sugary drink consumption 🛒 Decreases frequency of running out of food #SupportSNAPEd

The current US Senate budget reconciliation bill proposes eliminating CalFresh Healthy Living—SNAP-Ed nationally. This critical program supports Californians by: 🥕 Improving fruit & vegetable intake 🧃 Decreasing sugar sweetened beverage consumption 🏃‍♀️‍➡️ Increasing physical activity #SupportSNAPEd

Proposed cuts to WIC's cash value benefit could negatively impact access to fruits & veggies for low-income moms & kids! @npi.ucanr.edu research shows current benefit levels increase kids’ fruit & veggie intake by ¼ cup/day and reduce food insecurity. 1-in-7 may leave #WIC if benefits are decreased!

CalFresh Healthy Living—California’s SNAP-Ed program—helps underserved communities eat healthy, move more, and thrive. 🍎🏃‍♀️ Through education & community change, this critical program empowers lasting health. #SnapEdWorks #SupportSNAPEd #SNAPEd #CalFresh

NEW funding opportunity from Healthy Eating Research focuses on how recent changes to nutrition policies and programs impact nutrition, health, and economic outcomes. Read more and apply: bit.ly/3kWgjRL

see our featured article on #beverage consumption in US #childcare, where we provide data to support: 1. more #water throughout the day 2. less #juice, especially for the younger ones @rneff1.bsky.social @jfchriqui.bsky.social @npi.ucanr.edu www.jneb.org/article/S149...

Proposed cuts to WIC's cash value benefit could negatively impact access to fruits & veggies for low-income moms & kids! @npi.ucanr.edu research shows current benefit levels increase kids’ fruit & veggie intake by ¼ cup/day and reduce food insecurity. 1-in-7 may leave #WIC if benefits are decreased!

📢 New @npi.ucanr.edu @ucanr.bsky.social research brief highlights challenges Colorado foodservice directors faced when federal waivers ended that allowed universal school meals, resulting in reduced student meal participation and increased unpaid meal debt. Learn more: bit.ly/4kD1Rba

Disposable trays and utensils used for school lunches generate waste and may contain harmful PFAS chemicals, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives that also prioritize health, like stainless steel trays and utensils. Learn about a district’s transition to reusables: bit.ly/4kBYoJk

@lorreneritchie.bsky.social, Retiring in July, Shaped Evolution of Nutrition Programs. Read the full story via Morning Ag Clips: www.morningagclips.com/lorrene-ritc...

With help from #CalFresh Healthy Living, UC, Butte County first graders learned how rice powers our bodies & supports healthy eating! The team brought nutrition to life with a “ricetastic” lesson - connecting food, health, & local farms. #SupportSNAPEd #SNAPEd bit.ly/4mNqYJQ