Nutrition Policy Institute

A recent research brief developed by the Nutrition Policy Institute highlights the impact of the end of federal waivers on Texas school meal programs, allowing school meals to be served free of charge.

Experts from leading health and nutrition organizations recommend kids and teens drink plain water, plain pasteurized milk, and limited amounts of 100% fruit and vegetable juice for optimal nutrition and hydration.

A recent study highlights how food insecurity may influence the effectiveness of school-based programs aimed at reducing childhood obesity by promoting water consumption and reduced sugar-sweetened beverage intake.

A recent study highlights the importance of sustained investment in community nutrition programs and policies to improve healthy food access at home. Children get up to two-thirds of their food from home, making the availability of food in their household a key role in shaping their diets.

A new set of data briefs developed by the Nutrition Policy Institute showcases the impactful programming carried out by local health departments through CalFresh Healthy Living (California's SNAP-Ed program) during federal fiscal year 2024.

Nutrition Policy Institute researchers Kassandra Bacon and Ron Strochlic present with Hope Sippola of Spork Food Hub at the 2025 annual EcoFarm conference in Pacific Grove, CA.

A 2024 paper describes ongoing community-based work to promote consumption of water in place of sugar-sweetened beverages, SSBs, on Navajo Nation. The Navajo community is disproportionately affected by water insecurity with 30% of households lacking reliable drinking water access.

A 2024 study analyzing the diets of over 4,300 infants in the United States using the Infant Diet Quality Index, also known as IDQI, revealed associations between diet quality from 0-12 months and select nutrient and ultra-processed food intake later when the children were 2-5 years old.

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension Specialist to become the next Director of the Nutrition Policy Institute.

The Nutrition Policy Institute's CalFresh Healthy Living Evaluation team, in collaboration with the California Department of Public Health, is thrilled to announce recognition of 129 schools, 79 early care and education programs, and 77 out-of-school time programs across California as recipients of...