Food Access & Food Insecurity

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 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…