Nutrition Policy Institute

A new study showed statewide School Meals for All policies are associated with lower prevalence of household food insecurity, particularly among families with lower incomes. Researchers surveyed 3,377 caregivers of school-aged children from eight states—four with universal school meal policies including…

A new qualitative study in the Journal of Child Nutrition & Management found that reusable serviceware—like trays, cutlery, and bulk condiment dispensers—were widely accepted in a California school district pilot program. Students successfully advocated for reducing single-use items, prompting…

A new study exploring caregiver perceptions revealed that caregivers believe that social interaction during school meals is important for their children and may encourage healthy meal consumption. Universal School Meals provide school-aged students with nutritious breakfasts and lunches on all school…

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, commonly known as WIC, supports the health of low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and young children by providing access to nutritious foods, nutrition education, and health referrals through state and local agencies…

Hannah Thompson has been named as the new director of the Nutrition Policy Institute. With Lorrene Ritchie retiring July 1, Wendi Gosliner will serve as interim director until Thompson begins in her new role on Sept. 1.

In March 2023, Nutrition Policy Institute researchers conducted an online survey to examine Colorado foodservice directors' experiences after federal waivers that allowed all schools to offer school meals free of charge to all students ended in the 2022-23 school year. Survey results highlight how Colorado’s…

In March 2023, Nutrition Policy Institute researchers conducted an online survey to examine Colorado foodservice directors' experiences after federal waivers that allowed all schools to offer school meals free of charge to all students ended in the 2022-23 school year. Survey results highlight how Colorado’s…

Most schools in the U.S., including the Fremont Unified School District, or FUSD, serve lunch on disposable trays with a plastic spork kit containing a spork, straw, and paper napkin. These single-use items present two main issues. First, they may contain harmful PFAS chemicals, also known as per- and…

Nutrition Policy Institute director and cooperative extension specialist, Lorrene Ritchie, will be attending and presenting at the seventh annual International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity annual conference in Auckland, New Zealand, June 11-14, 2025. The theme of the conference is …

Nutrition Policy Institute’s Danielle Lee will present with CACFP Roundtable’s Elyse Homel Vitale and Samantha Kay-Daleiden Marshall at the 2025 Child and Adult Care Food Program National Professional Association Conference. The conference, hosted in Henderson, NV from June 10-12, will discuss research…