Food Policy

University of Washington researchers highlight how improved nutrition standards and universal free meal programs have enhanced diet quality and reduced childhood obesity. Discover why expanding universal free school meals could make a world of difference for millions of kids.

This article from nonprofit media organization Grist delves into the ongoing evasion of animal agriculture’s impact on climate change and explores the urgent need for a transformative approach to the global food system.

Humans have been processing meat to preserve it and improve its flavor for millennia. So what do we know about the health effects of hot dogs, bacon, sausages, cold cuts, and other processed meats? Do they really cause colon cancer? And if so, can we minimize the risks by switching to plant-based “faux meats”?

Antibiotics are powerful drugs. And medical professionals often prescribe them. But the truth is, factory farms use the majority of antibiotics. And the overuse of antibiotics is causing antibiotic resistance — one of the most serious public health issues facing our world today. Learn more about the dark side of antibiotic use — and what this has to do with food recalls. And most importantly, learn what you can do about it.

Food prices have risen dramatically in the last few years. But why? And how can you reduce your food bill without sacrificing your health?

One strategy recommended for people struggling to control their weight has been portion control: intentionally eating less than they otherwise would. To help people eat less, government and nutritional experts have identified serving and portion sizes to aim for. But what’s the difference between a serving and a portion? How can you use these guidelines to eat enough but not too much? And what other strategies work best to prevent overeating?

BPA is a chemical that’s used in plastics, food and drink containers, cans, pizza boxes, shopping receipts, baby bottles, and much more. Scientists and public health advocates have been sounding the alarm on BPA for years, pointing out that it may be linked to reproductive health problems, diabetes, asthma, obesity, and harming fetal neurodevelopment. But its health effects may be further reaching than expected, and BPA substitutes may not be any better. Discover the latest research on BPA and similar chemicals — and what you can do about limiting your exposure.

SNAP is a US government program that provides financial assistance to help low-income people feed themselves and their families. One mostly unknown feature of the program is the ability to use it to purchase seeds and plants that will grow into healthy, fresh produce. In this article, we’ll look at how to make use of this benefit, as well as how to navigate and overcome the obstacles that may arise.

Fat is one of the most misunderstood nutrients. It’s essential for health, yet it’s often seen as a major cause of obesity and heart disease. Are there healthy sources of fat? And how much dietary fat is too much? This article looks at the science, rather than the hype, about fat.

The words and images on packaged foods are there for one of two reasons — to sell or to inform. Food manufacturers want to present their products in as positive a light as possible and may sometimes make questionable claims about them. Regulators want the labels to include clear and honest data about quality, nutrients, and ingredients. The result is often a confusing mash-up that leaves consumers scratching their heads or giving up. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover how to read food labels like a pro, so you can make the best choices for yourself and your loved ones.

GMOs — or genetically modified organisms — are a lightning-rod issue. For some, GMO crops represent the height of human ingenuity, and anyone who says otherwise is a science denier. For others, GMOs represent an unprecedented and irreversible experiment on the entirety of life on earth, as we place the power to create life into the hands of transnational corporations whose agenda is monopolistic control of the global food supply. But what is a GMO, where are they found, and how concerned should you be?

School meals have a huge impact on the health of a nation — and the planet. They forge patterns that shape lives. They instill a status quo that changes what kids want to eat the rest of the time. And they are one of the primary ways that policy shapes the health of the next generation. Moving toward healthier, plant-based meal plans could benefit our children, and our world, in profoundly important ways.