UC Berkeley Food, Nutrition and Population Health

Check out the Berkeley Food Institute's new series of interviews and Q+As with food industry professionals and changemakers here!

Introducing “Pathways: Profiles of Local Food Systems Changemakers” - Berkeley Food Institute In a series of video interviews and Q&As with food system professionals, BFI’s student staff gives a glimpse into some of the unseen corners of the food industry.

https://food.berkeley.edu/from-the-field/advancing-food-justice-with-the-community-of-gilroy/

The Berkeley Food Institute recently co-hosted an event with Nueva Vida to discuss the implementation of SB 1000 in Gilroy and how it impacts equity-based food access policies. Click to read more here:

Advancing Food Justice with the Community of Gilroy - Berkeley Food Institute In an event co-organized by BFI and Nueva Vida, more than a hundred people gathered in the cafeteria at Gilroy High School to discuss how SB 1000 can be mobilized for food security and community health.

https://npi.ucanr.edu/News/?blogpost=59238&blogasset=113706

The UCANR Nutrition Policy Institute recently received funding for its Milk Type in Toddlers, or Milk-TOT study, which will research how the type of milk given to children ages 1-2 can influence adiposity, dietary intake, and health outcomes. Click the link to learn more about this project.

News Nutrition Policy Institute- News

Check out this Berkeley Public Health Talk by UC Berkeley Public Health Nutrition Faculty member Dr. Isabel Madzorera on diet quality and ways to improve nutrition and health outcomes in low and middle-income contexts here:

Diet Quality: Opportunities to improve nutrition & health outcomes in low & middle-income contexts Diet Quality: Measurement, gaps and opportunities to improve nutrition and health outcomes in low and middle-income contextsIsabel Madzorera, ScD, MSAssistan...

We are very excited to announce the launch of our new ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship at Berkeley Public Health! The Berkeley Public Health Dietetic Internship is a two-year MPH/DI that accepts 10 interns who are admitted to the Master’s in Public Health Nutrition program.

We are currently accepting applications for our inaugural Fall 2024 cohort. Applications are due December 4th. Please join us at our open house informational sessions:

Virtual: Wednesday, November 14, 5-6PM, Register Here: https://berkeley.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAkdOGsrjgtG9WAyEkyOj8Keagip9rBH5Ez #/registration
In-Person: Friday, November 17, 5-7PM, Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVltj98S047OtYKlyjNeR_d-pK-QqaLOELMwigEqtZCg3Y8w/viewform

For more information, please visit our webpage at https://publichealth.berkeley.edu/academics/community-health-sciences/public-health-nutrition/dietetic-internship/ or email [email protected].

UC Berkeley Food, Nutrition and Population Health The UC Berkeley Food, Nutrition and Population Health Program trains future leaders in food and nutrition practice, policy and research to identify emerging nutrition and food-systems challenges and solutions and evaluate their impact.

Are you interested in learning more about Berkeley Public Health and thinking about applying to our MPH program? We are hosting several Zoom webinar sessions on Thursday, October 26th that go over tips for strong application essays and resources the school offers, and on Thursday, November 2nd there will be a panel of students who share their personal experiences with the program. Read more below to find detailed information about the events and Zoom links:

Series Session 2: DREAM Office & Sharing your Public Health Journey Presentation

Location: Zoom Meeting, https://berkeley.zoom.us/j/98198669797?pwd=QUlHNXd4Mmc5Zlh0N2tBQlFGZjlldz09

Duration: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM, (Thursday - October 26th, 2023)

Come join us and learn about the Dream Office and what we offer! We will also share some advice on writing your statement of purpose and personal history statements. We will provide an overview of The Dream Office services, including tutoring resources, and upcoming events for prospective students.

Series Session 3: Changemakers: Current Student Panel & Funding Your Education

Location: Zoom Meeting, https://berkeley.zoom.us/j/95271344357?pwd=WlZIOVp5QTVVTjNMRTdvS0hCbGNxQT09

Duration: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM, (Thursday - November 2nd, 2023)

Hear from current students about their experiences in the graduate program and how they have navigated funding their degree. Learn about student life, courses, advice on funding your education, and what to expect during your time at the School of Public Health.

UC Berkeley Food, Nutrition and Population Health The UC Berkeley Food, Nutrition and Population Health Program trains future leaders in food and nutrition practice, policy and research to identify emerging nutrition and food-systems challenges and solutions and evaluate their impact.

Recently published papers that have been co-authored by several UC Berkeley faculty have revealed a comprehensive look at malnutrition and stunting during the first two years of life, in addition to public health interventions that can address these issues. Click the article below to read more details and access the full papers:

A critical window: Early malnutrition sets stage for poor growth and even death, researchers find - UC Berkeley Public Health Early life malnutrition, which is associated with increased risk of disease, impaired cognition, and death, occurs earlier than expected, according to new findings authored by a team from UC Berkeley […]

"...this isn’t your typical cooking lesson on Zoom and Facebook. It’s part of a “food prescription” experiment — prescriptions for healthy food instead of pills." Click to read more about food prescription programs in California, the benefits of this type of programs, and the challenges with implementation here:

Just what the doctor ordered: In California, a prescription could pay for your fresh fruits and veggies Medi-Cal and other programs are paying for fresh fruits and veggies in California food prescription programs.

https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2023/08/22/usda-helps-alaskan-communities-meet-sustainable-food-system-goals

"In Alaska, where most food is imported, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is helping local Alaskans and Alaska Natives grow their own fresh food. As a 2022 recipient of a USDA 2501 grant, the Kodiak Archipelago Leadership Institute (KALI) is expanding access to USDA programs and connecting farmers to USDA resources and technical assistance." Click to read more about how this new grant is helping local communities implement more sustainable farming techniques here:

USDA Helps Alaskan Communities Meet Sustainable Food System Goals In Alaska, where most food is imported, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is helping local Alaskans and Alaska Natives grow their own fresh food. As a 2022 recipient of a USDA 2501 grant, the Kodiak Archipelago Leadership Institute (KALI) is expanding access to USDA programs and connecting f...

"In December 2022, as part of the end-of-year $1.7 trillion budget bill, Congress approved $29 billion in meal programs for low-income kids, and permanently loosened the rules around congregate feeding during the summer—a win for child nutrition advocates." Click to read more about the benefits of summer school meals and the impacts of the history of summer food service in the United States here:

For Many Kids, a Boost to Summer School Meals Is a ‘Game Changer’ Last year’s omnibus bill cut SNAP benefits but increased funding for summer meals. For many districts, it’s helping address a hunger gap.

Click here to learn more about UC Berkeley's Public Health Nutrition program, current students and alumni, the in-person and online program, current research, and faculty!

UC Berkeley School of Public Health: Where tomorrow’s Public Health Nutrition leaders are made - UC Berkeley Public Health Public Health Nutrition specialists are leaders in developing and implementing programs and policies to support population health through nutrition. With 10.5% of U.S. households facing food insecurity and 22% of […]

https://www.wellnessletteronline.com/eat_well/chocolate-we-have-a-cadmium-problem/?ad_campaign=UCB_SPH

Check out this article from The Wellness Letter, in collaboration with the UC Berkeley School of Public Health, that details the recent findings of high levels of cadmium in many dark chocolate bar products here:

Chocolate, We Have a (Cadmium) Problem - Wellness Letter There has been so much conflicting information about the health attributes of chocolate over the years. Is it good news or bad news?

"A coalition of five public health advocacy organizations – the Environmental Working Group, Environmental Defense Fund, Center for Science in the Public Interest, Center for Food Safety and Center for Environmental Health - petitioned the Food and Drug Administration to revoke its approval to use the harmful color additive titanium dioxide in food." Click to read more statements from these organizations regarding titanium dioxide and how state governments are taking a stand here:

Public health groups urge FDA to cancel approval of titanium dioxide in food HomeNewsPublic health groups urge FDA to cancel approval of titanium dioxide in foodSHAREShare on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare with EmailPRINTUpdated: May 30, 2023Anthony Torres/Unsplash.comA coalition of five public health advocacy organizations – the Environmental Working Group...

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/05/25/1178163270/ultra-processed-foods-health-risk-weight-gain

"Ultra-processed foods currently make up nearly 60% of what the typical adult eats, and nearly 70% of what kids eat." Click to read more about the current research surrounding ultra-processed foods, and it's impact on human health:

What we know about the health risks of ultra-processed foods Sure, they're tasty, but packaged snacks and meals can be packed with sugar, salt and a list of unpronounceable ingredients. So what are they doing to your health? Scientists are trying to find out.

https://npi.ucanr.edu/?blogpost=57104&blogasset=113704

A recent California-based study has found that the increased cash value benefits for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) have led to "improved household food security, increased child fruit and vegetable consumption among children with inadequate intakes, and enhanced satisfaction with the cash value benefit amount." Click to further read about the study and the results here:

Nutrition Policy Institute - Nutrition Policy Institute A recent study conducted in California examined the impact of increased cash value benefits to purchase fruits and vegetables in the federal Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study, which focused on 1,700 families with low...

"Food corporations are thriving. Between 2021 and 2022, the food and beverage industry recorded more than $155 billion in profits, according to Forbes." Click to read how just a few large corporations continue to make profits and what the government is doing in response:

What Role Do Record Corporate Profits Play in Food Inflation? As high food prices finally start to cool down, food companies continue to make record profits. We talked to experts to find out why.

"We hope we can be the framework and foundation for many other community gardens to organize, raise funds, find allies in other spaces, and start gardens everywhere." Click to read more about the status of the community garden, and it's influence on the local community here:

Compton’s only community garden fights to save its space The garden has been a beloved staple in the community since 2013

https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/five-food-problems-why-current-food-medicine-solutions-falling-short

Check out this article co-written by Christina Badaracco, UC Berkeley Public Health Nutrition alum, about the current challenges with Food is Medicine practices and recommendations for the future here!

Why Current 'Food Is Medicine' Solutions Are Falling Short | Health Affairs Forefront In recent years, the age-old concept that food can augment medical practice has gained significant attention in health care reform. However, there remain fundamental problems in our food system and approach to health and nutrition interventions that impede progress toward fully integrating food-base...

"USDA and University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources will enter into a cooperative agreement to establish a Southwest USDA Regional Food Business Center that will serve California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. The $35 million project will have a particular focus on the Colonias communities – communities within the mainly rural U.S.-Mexico border region with marginal conditions related to housing and infrastructure – of southern Arizona and California." Click to read more about the role of UCANR in this new initiative!

USDA selects UC ANR to create regional food business center The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced selections for the USDA Regional Food Business Centers. Twelve organizations, including University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, have been selected to establish Regional Food Centers that will provide coordination, technical assista...

"While many Americans have struggled with rising food prices this year, the pressures are even more intense for disabled people who have to balance additional constraints—and whose needs are sometimes more expensive, and more complex, than those of the general population." Click to read more about the food challenges that are regularly faced by people with disabilities, and promising policy solutions for the future:

How Food Inflation Adds to the Burdens Disabled People Carry The dramatic increase in food prices and the end of SNAP benefits are taking a toll on people with disabilities

https://www.ipsnews.net/2023/05/empowering-women-key-breaking-devastating-cycle-poverty-food-insecurity-sub-saharan-africa/

Click to read how organizations such as the West and Central Africa Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF) are developing initiatives that empower women farmers, researchers, and entrepreneurs to lead changes in the agriculture sector here:

Empowering Women is Key to Breaking the Devastating Cycle of Poverty & Food Insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa Studies consistently show that women have lower rates of agricultural productivity compared to men in the region, but it’s not because they’re less efficient farmers. Women in sub-Saharan Africa often lead food storage, handling, stocking, processing, and marketing in addition to other household...

"As a result of a series of recent developments, industrial farms that raise thousands of animals in concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are facing new regulations aimed at preventing water pollution. And the American public will soon have additional information about just how much pollution the facilities create each year."

Click to read more about how CAFOs may finally face stricter regulation to prevent water pollution here:

Momentum Builds to Regulate Water Pollution from CAFOs In this week’s Field Report: a sea-change in regulating CAFO pollution, animal welfare label claims, and more funding for climate farming.

https://nature.berkeley.edu/news/2023/04/soda-sales-dropped-after-oakland-imposed-tax-sugary-drinks

"...the study found that purchases of soda and other sweetened beverages fell by nearly 27 percent between July 2017—when a one-cent-per-ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverages went into effect—and Dec. 31, 2019." Click to read more about the results of a recently published study authored by UC professors, including UC Berkeley Public Health Nutrition professor Dr. Kristine Madsen here:

Soda sales dropped after Oakland imposed a tax on sugary drinks A UC-led study found that sales dropped 27% after the city began taxing sugar-sweetened beverages in 2017, making residents healthier in the process.

https://ucanr.edu/News/?routeName=newsstory&postnum=56663

"Starting this month, many of the estimated 3 million people in the CalFresh program – California's version of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) – will be facing hunger and making difficult decisions to meet their most basic needs...for example, in April a single-person household could see a drop from $281 per month to $23."

Click to read from UCANR experts Shannon Klisch and Wendi Gosliner on the ending of the CalFresh emergency food allotments and its impact on participants, as well as additional food assistance resources that Calfornia residents can use.

UC ANR experts offer counsel as CalFresh benefits shrink, participants face hunger Starting this month, many of the estimated 3 million people in the CalFresh program – California's version of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) – will be facing hunger and making difficult decisions to meet their most basic needs. In late March, participants received the last of t...

"The Youth Food Lab is bringing together young innovators to tackle food systems challenges facing their local communities. It provides a platform for ten teams to transform their visions into a developed business model...The Food Lab aims to be inclusive and accessible to young innovators throughout the world and from varying backgrounds." Click to read more about this new program and how it supports solutions to transform agriculture and food systems globally!

Youth Food Lab Fosters Inclusion and Access to Young Innovators – Food Tank The Youth Food Lab is bringing diverse perspectives to solve complex issues in building a resilient food system.

Click to read an interview with anti-hunger advocate Esperanza Fonseca, the national deputy organizing director for United for Respect, and her thoughts on how the Farm Bill should focus on the nutritional needs of low-income and marginalized groups in the United States here:

Former SNAP Recipient Calls For Expanded Benefits in Next Farm Bill Anti-hunger advocate Esperanza Fonseca wants a farm bill that centers the nutritional needs of all low-income and marginalized Americans.

Recent findings of a study conducted by Dr. Brenda Eskenazi of the UC Berkeley School of Public Health "show an association between early life exposure to glyphosate and liver inflammation and metabolic disease in young adults." Click to read about how exposure to pesticides can lead to negative health outcomes here:

Roundup, the World's Favorite W**d Killer, Linked to Liver, Metabolic Diseases in Kids - Inside Climate News For Brenda Eskenazi, what once seemed merely a rich vein of epidemiological knowledge has turned out to be a mother lode. Eskenazi, who runs the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas study (known as CHAMACOS, Mexican Spanish slang for “little kids”), has tracked pai...

https://health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physical-activity/white-house-conference-hunger-nutrition-and-health

This Friday, March 24th, the White House will host a live stream event that continues the conversation from the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health from September 2022 and discusses the implementation of the National Strategy. Click the following link to register for the live stream:

Ending Hunger and Reducing Diet-Related Diseases and Disparities | health.gov High blood pressure raises your risk for serious health problems — but many people don’t know they have it. Check your blood pressure regularly to find problems early and protect your health. Learn about checking your blood pressure.