Nutrition Policy Institute

A new study explored parent perceptions of stigma and benefits associated with free and reduced-price school meals and universal free school meals. The United States Department of Agriculture’s school meals programs provide school-aged students with nutritious meals necessary for healthy development and…

The National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference aims to strengthen federal nutrition programs, close food access gaps for low-income communities, and develop innovative strategies to end hunger nationwide. Sponsored by the Food Research & Action Center in cooperation with the National CACFP Forum, the…

Lorrene Ritchie, founding director of the Nutrition Policy Institute at the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, will be retiring from her role as director on July 1, 2025. Ritchie, a first-generation college student, has made a lasting impact on the field of public health nutrition…

Molly Shea joined the Nutrition Policy Institute at the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources on May 8, 2025 as a project policy analyst. She began her work at NPI in October 2024 as a survey worker supporting various projects. Prior to her work with NPI, Molly worked in program…

Table of ContentsThe Problem With DisposablesThe Reusable SolutionThe JourneyAbout Fremont Unified School DistrictHarnessing the Power of StudentsRecognizing the Right TimeCreating PartnershipsBuilding District SupportKicking Off the ProgramSuccesses and ChallengesLessons LearnedContact InformationThe…

Nutrition Policy Institute researchers will work with the National WIC Association and Pepperdine University to conduct a 2025 Multi-State Satisfaction Survey of participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, or WIC. Survey results will build upon prior surveys…

A new study on safety net programs explores the characteristics associated with take-up, that is, participation among those eligible, across programs including Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children,…

A recent Nutrition Policy Institute research brief examines key findings from the implementation and impact of California’s School Meals for All program, which provides free meals to all public school students regardless of family income. The program has increased meal participation, reduced…

Nutrition Policy Institute’s Danielle Lee will present with University of California, Berkeley’s Jessica Rangel and Pepperdine University’s Rebeca Oropeza at the 2025 National WIC Association’s Education and Training Conference. The conference will reflect on past successes and discuss policy…