Nutrition Policy Institute

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…

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…