The way parents talk about weight and body size can have a lasting impact on their children's health and self-esteem. In a new position statement, Dr. Rebecca Puhl and the European Childhood Obesity Group provide guidance about fostering respectful, open, and health-focused dialogue. #Health

Public enemy #1 for nutrition influencers and health leaders? The '90s-era food pyramid. In a new piece for @politifact.bsky.social, @graceabels.bsky.social breaks down the history of dietary guidance in America, from the grain-heavy pyramid to MyPlate and beyond. #FoodPolicy #Health 🧪 #News

Dr. Jennifer Harris, the Rudd Center's Senior Marketing Research Advisor, will be speaking at a webinar hosted by @childrenandscreens.bsky.social next week! #FoodPolicy See below for more info! ⬇️

Yesterday, Caitlin Caspi appeared on @ctpublic.bsky.social to discuss the future of nutrition assistance programs in Connecticut. In 2024, one in nine Connecticuters received benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. #FoodPolicy #News #Connecticut

#News: The Trump administration has threatened to continue withholding critical food aid until the government shutdown is over. This contradicts the administration's previous assertion that they would abide by a court order to keep partial benefits flowing into November. #FoodPolicy #Health #SNAP

Food banks are stepping up as millions of Americans prepare to lose federal food assistance, but it may not be enough. “The charitable food system is there to support families, but it is tiny compared to the amount of money that is available through SNAP" - @marlene-schwartz.bsky.social #Food #News

After the Trump administration announced that they will not pay November food benefits, food banks are bracing for overwhelming demand. The impact of this crisis is expected to resonate well beyond the shutdown. #FoodPolicy #Politics #SNAP #News

For the first time in over a decade, the number of states with obesity rates of 35% or more has dropped. While this is an encouraging sign, cuts to federal staff and programs that address chronic disease could endanger this progress. #FoodPolicy #Health More from @jnaleccia.bsky.social:

Ultraprocessed foods have overtaken grocery shelves and American diets. Now, they are among the greatest health threats of our time. To address our reliance on these hyperpalatable, aggressively marketed products, we first need to understand the history of ultraprocessed foods. #FoodPolicy

SNAP is safe through October, but it may be at risk if the shutdown continues. The food assistance program, which benefits 1 in 8 Americans, is a major piece of the nation's social safety net. Last fiscal year, it provided an average of $187 a month to 41.7 million people. #FoodPolicy

This month, @marlene-schwartz.bsky.social is the Guest Editor of a special issue of JAND focused on #FoodPolicy changes to support children’s health! Topics covered include federal child nutrition programs, beverage policies, and food marketing. More: www.jandonline.org/issue/S2212-...

Despite mixed reactions to the 'Make America Healthy Again' report - especially regarding vaccine policy - there’s potential for bipartisan support for some of its nutrition recommendations. Learn more about the implications of the report for child health and #FoodPolicy in a new @bmj.com article:

Q: Do federal nutrition assistance programs operate during a government shutdown? A: October SNAP benefits will go out as normal, and federally-funded school meals are okay for now. However, WIC could run out of funds in the next 1-2 weeks. #FoodPolicy Learn more in @foodfixco.bsky.social:

Last week, Maria Gombi-Vaca was a panelist at “Identifying Nutritious and Affordable Options in the Current Food Environment." Dr. Gombi-Vaca spoke about how consumers can spot ultraprocessed foods, nutrition ranking in the charitable food system, and more. Watch here: ct-n.com/ctnplayer.as...

#FoodPolicy: Living in a food swamp is associated with greater shopping frequency at unhealthy outlets, less access to healthier food, and increased access to unhealthy food. Learn more in a new Community-Based Participatory Research Study from a team in Hartford, CT: www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/22...

The Department of Agriculture announced this week that it will stop collecting data about food insecurity in the U.S. Experts say the move will obscure the effects of recent changes that will lead to people losing food aid. #FoodPolicy #News

#FoodPolicy: Our Director, @marlene-schwartz.bsky.social, is the Guest Editor for JAND's new themed issue: "Child Nutrition and Health Policy." Topics addressed in the issue include universal free school meals, food marketing exposure, WIC participation, and more Learn more here:

A new report reveals that MrBeast, the most popular channel on YouTube, marketed chocolate bars in ways that potentially misled child viewers. “Kids see marketing as another source of information, like parents or teachers" - Jennifer Harris, Senior Marketing Advisor at the Rudd Center #FoodPolicy

Big Food is phasing out artificial dyes and replacing them with natural alternatives like turmeric, beets, and spirulina. The problem? Consumers love bright colors. "Brighter colors are perceived as tasting better, whether the taste changes or not." - @marionnestle.bsky.social #FoodPolicy

Should SNAP recipients be barred from purchasing unhealthy products with their benefits? As more states pass "SNAP junk food bans," we went into the Rudd Center archives to share a paper from 2017 that explores both sides of this ongoing debate: www.ajpmonline.org/article/S074... #FoodPolicy

“The basic idea of supporting farmers, especially smaller farmers, and having them work closely with local school systems isn’t a Democrat or Republican idea. It’s just a good idea." - @marlene-schwartz.bsky.social Learn more in a new #FoodPolicy article from @capitalandmain.bsky.social:

Yesterday, Vishal Narayan visited the Rudd Center to discuss his recent research at @uconnbusiness.bsky.social! Dr. Narayan explores how consumer-level data from social media can help inform marketing and policy decisions. Thanks for joining us at the Rudd Center!

The MAHA Commission plans to explore "potential industry guidelines" to limit the marketing of unhealthy food to children. Most food advertisers currently participate in a voluntary self-regulation program. However, this program has "so many loopholes that it's basically meaningless." #FoodPolicy

Earlier this year, funding was eliminated for two long-running programs that helped schools and food banks feed families in need. Not only will this impact the health of our nation's children, these cuts will hurt local farmers as well.

Q: Do food expiration dates really matter? A: Yes, but interpreting them can be complicated. In the U.S., there are roughly 50 variations of date labels, including “use by,” “sell by,” and “packaged on." All of them can imply different things, and requirements vary between states. #FoodPolicy

Stealth marketing, real impact. Children as young as age 3 are exposed to unhealthy food brand promotions when watching videos on YouTube and YouTube Kids, and most of it flies under the regulatory radar. #FoodPolicy #Health #Parenting

Last week, Marlene Schwartz appeared on the "UConn 360" podcast to discuss the Rudd Center's work! We are so grateful to be part of the @uconnresearch.bsky.social community! Listen to the podcast episode here: uconn.edu/uconn360-pod...

Ultra-processed food consumption is slightly down, but Americans are still getting about 55% of their calories from unhealthy, manufactured products. For kids, the percentage is even higher. #FoodPolicy #Health 🧪 #FoodSystems

Yesterday, Meg Hadley Zimmerman visited the Rudd Center to discuss her work at End Hunger Connecticut! EHC! connects families to nutrition programs and fights for policy solutions that eliminate barriers to food access. You can learn more about their programs here: endhungerct.org #NutmegSky

Actual progress or basic PR? Recently, companies like Kraft Heinz and General Mills have made splashy announcements about eliminating artificial colors from their products. However, experts warn that these "cosmetic changes" will have no actual impact on consumers' health. #FoodPolicy #Health

On average, children in the U.S. obtain nearly 70% of their calories from ultra-processed foods. However, not all children respond to ultra-processed foods in the same way. Learn more about protecting children with "strong food reward drives" in a new #FoodPolicy article from NPR:

Fewer than a third of medical students receive the recommended minimum of 25 hours of nutrition education, and more than half report receiving no formal education on the topic at all. Could including more nutrition education in curricula help reduce weight stigma in healthcare? #FoodPolicy

Q: Would switching from high-fructose corn syrup to cane sugar make Coca-Cola products any healthier? A: Not really. Both additives can equally raise the risk for obesity, diabetes, and high triglycerides and blood pressure. Added sugar in whatever form should be limited. #FoodPolicy #Health

Weight stigma is common in many societal settings, and healthcare is no exception. Supportive Obesity Care aims to equip healthcare professionals with the tools and knowledge to provide supportive care to patients of diverse body sizes. 🔗: supportiveobesitycare.org #PublicHealth #Medsky

Watery mayo? Spiky ice cream? Banning emulsifiers may impact the texture of popular foods. Experts say that distinguishing the ill effects of these additives from those of the foods they’re in is challenging - and a distraction from diet changes that would really improve public health. #FoodPolicy

#FoodPolicy: Nearly 4 million college students have experienced food insecurity. Yesterday, Caitlin Caspi appeared on "Where We Live" to discuss the root causes of food insecurity on college campuses and strategies to address this issue. Learn more from @ctpublic.bsky.social:

#NewStudy: Despite ad bans, children as young as age 3 are exposed to unhealthy food brand promotions when viewing videos on YouTube and YouTube Kids. Read the full study: www.jandonline.org/article/S221... #FoodPolicy #Health

#News: Last week, Rebecca Puhl delivered the keynote address at the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (@asmbs.org) Meeting in DC! Her presentation highlighted strategies to eliminate stigma and ensure equitable, comprehensive care for all people living with obesity. #ASMBS2025

#News: The Rudd Center is proud to endorse @sbm.org's new position statement in support of continued funding for school meals. 🍎🎒 Read the full statement here: bit.ly/FundingSchoo... #FoodPolicy #Health

Recent cuts to school lunch and food bank funding mean less fresh produce for children and families. In a new @theconversation.com piece, @marlene-schwartz.bsky.social discusses the food programs that have been cut, their impact on families, and more. Read here: theconversation.com/cuts-to-scho...

The proposed budget reconciliation bill includes big changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Some of the 40+ million people who depend on SNAP say they cannot imagine how they will keep themselves and their families fed if these proposals are approved. #FoodPolicy #Health

We are excited to share that Marlene Schwartz will be participating in the Good Food for All Summit on June 18th, co-hosted by @phanews.bsky.social and the Global Food Institute! #GFASummit25

We are excited to announce that Rebecca Puhl will be the Mason Keynote Speaker at the ASMBS 2025 Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. later this month! Learn more about the @asmbs.org event: www.asmbsmeeting.com #ASMBS2025 #ASMBS #ObesityCare

This year marks the Rudd Center's 10th anniversary at the University of Connecticut! “UConn’s commitment to multidisciplinary research has made it the perfect home for the Rudd Center" - @marlene-schwartz.bsky.social Learn more about our @uconnresearch.bsky.social journey:

Energy drinks, workout supplements, buzzy lemonades, and more - caffeine consumption is on the rise. Now, health experts are warning that too much caffeine can do more harm than good. Learn more: www.menshealth.com/nutrition/a6... #FoodPolicy #Health

Last week, Reece Lyerly joined us at the Rudd Center to discuss his work at @chefannfoundation.bsky.social! As the Foundation's Senior Director of Research & Evaluation, Dr. Lyerly helps measure the impact of their programs to promote scratch cooking in schools. More: www.chefannfoundation.org/

Covering how USDA cuts are affecting food banks and local farmers? Reporters–you can use/clip/quote our recent interview with @marlene-schwartz.bsky.social (@uconnrudd.bsky.social) to add a dose of science to your local story angle. bit.ly/4j9k3HZ

Some energy drink brands are now touting “better for you ingredients” and far-fetched health benefits to reach new demographics. Thanks to this misleading marketing, many customers aren't even aware they are drinking highly-caffeinated products with potential health risks! #FoodPolicy #Health

Yesterday, Rudd Researchers Maria Gombi-Vaca and Violeta Chacón attended the Connecticut Farm to School Conference! Hosted by the Connecticut State Department of Education and @uconnextension.bsky.social, the event focused on strategies to increase healthy local foods in schools.

Media often reinforces negative attitudes about body weight through the use of stigmatizing imagery. To counter this, the Rudd Center offers a FREE Media Gallery to help creators find non-stigmatizing, respectful images of people with higher weight! Learn more: uconnruddcenter.org/media-gallery/